Texas Lottery Commission Vote to Ban Courier Services Amid Integrity Probe

The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) has unanimously voted to ban lottery courier services in the state.  

The ban comes a week after TLC’s executive Director, Ryan Mindell, stepped down from his position due to increased scrutiny aimed at the organisation from the state’s authorities and lawmakers.

Jackpot Wins Trigger Scrutiny of Online Couriers

Governor Greg Abbott directed the anti-corruption unit, the Texas Rangers, to investigate two major lottery drawings after the winning tickets came from online couriers. In one case, a player won the $83.5 million jackpot, while in another draw, a group won $95 million after buying 26 million number combinations.

Commenting on the investigation, Governor Abbott said that Texans must be able to trust in the state’s lottery system and know that it is conducted with integrity and lawfully. 

Following this, courier services have come under fire for allegedly allowing illegal activities, such as selling tickets to underage customers and laundering money. An ongoing lawsuit is pending against Gary Grief, TLC’s former executive director, who reportedly used courier services for money laundering.

The Commission announced its own statewide investigation into lottery courier services on the same day and decided to ban them soon after. TLO acting Executive Director Sergio Rey said the ban would be enforced immediately.

The decision also granted the Commission the power to revoke lottery sales licenses from businesses that continue working with couriers. Rey added: “The agency will commence with appropriate administrative processes, whether it relates to investigations or respond to any violations.”

Texas Lottery Courier Services Push Back Against Statewide Ban

While the ban disrupts criminal activities, its effects could be wide-ranging. As a consequence, one popular courier service, Lotto.com, has begun legal proceedings against the Lottery Commission. 

The Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers suggested the immediate ban “lays bare the inconsistency and lack of accountability demonstrated by the TLC regarding the issue of lottery couriers.”