Texas Woman Faces $83M Jackpot Threat Amid Lottery Courier Investigation

AUSTIN, Texas — Following a substantial win of $83 million in the Texas Lottery, one woman’s life has taken an unexpected turn as concerns around the legitimacy of her claim surface. She is now locked in a battle to secure her jackpot amid a Texas Rangers investigation.

The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, purchased her ticket via the Jackpocket app on February 17, a decision now overshadowed by uncertainty. Her attorney, Randy Howry, expressed concern about his client’s situation. “She’s being punished instead of rewarded,” he stated, emphasizing her routine participation in the lottery over the past six years.

Howry underscored the profound impact the winnings could have had on his client’s life and her family. “This was going to change her life. No doubt it was going to change the life of her kids,” he added. The winning ticket was acquired through a courier service linked to Winners Corner in North Austin, which is controlled by DraftKings, the parent company of Jackpocket.

The incident has triggered scrutiny from lawmakers just days after the win, coinciding with a proposed ban on lottery couriers by the Texas Lottery Commission. A Senate bill aimed at limiting such services received approval on February 27, reflecting growing concerns over their operations.

This case is not isolated. The Texas Rangers are also investigating a separate drawing from 2023, where a group purchasing $26 million in tickets won a $95 million jackpot. However, Howry insists his client’s situation is markedly different. “A night and day difference,” he remarked, emphasizing his client’s occasional participation compared to the group’s extensive ticket purchases.

As the situation unfolds, Howry and his client are prepared to take legal measures if necessary to ensure the release of the winnings. The Texas Lottery Commission has acknowledged the claim, stating that it is currently under review as part of their validation process, which is now also subject to external investigation.