Dont ComplyJust the News, in a report by Sharyl Attkisson, says the April 2023 Lotto Texas jackpot of $95 million was won by a foreign syndicate that bought nearly every number combination. The outlet reports the Texas Lottery Commission approved and delivered extra terminals and paper to print the tickets in about 72 hours, after rule changes let app-based middlemen sell tickets remotely. Former lottery official Rob Kohler says the changes were made quietly and that the agency kept urging Texans to play despite knowing the syndicate was buying every combination. The report says former executive director Gary Grief is charged with abuse of official capacity. He declined an interview, and his attorney said there is no allegation that Grief obtained personal benefit and that the case will be challenged. Lawmakers have since shut down the commission, now run by the Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Why it matters
The report describes a state lottery agency accused of enabling bulk purchases while advertising the jackpot to the public. The former director is charged, but his attorney says no personal benefit is alleged and the case will be contested.
These are unproven claims, and everyone named is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Researched with AI assistance from the sources listed here and reviewed under our methodology.