A Texas woman who thought she had won an $83.5 million lottery jackpot is now embroiled in a dispute with state officials, who are refusing to honor her ticket claim. The issue stems from a recent ban on courier services, which was implemented after the draw she participated in on February 17. The woman purchased her tickets through Jackpocket, a courier app, and now feels caught in an unfair situation as she seeks what she believes is rightfully hers.
The controversy arose when Texas Lottery officials retroactively imposed the ban on courier services shortly after the woman’s win. Her attorney, Randy Howry, stated that he finds the actions of the Texas Lottery Commission puzzling and unjust. He added that legal action may be considered if officials continue to reject the payout.
“How the Texas Lottery Commission is proceeding is, in our view, illegal,” Howry explained. He argued that the commission’s rationale lacks merit and would not hold up in court. Howry, a personal injury lawyer based in Austin, has observed that this ordeal has taken a significant emotional toll on his client. She reportedly feels overwhelmed and is experiencing a cycle of grief, wondering why, after playing by the rules, she is not being compensated for her win.
“How would you feel if you followed every guideline and still ended up losing the prize?” Howry questioned. He noted that the ordeal has led her to reconsider her future participation in the lottery. “If you can follow the rules and win, but not receive your prize, it raises skepticism about playing again,” he said.
The attorney has signaled that he is ready to escalate the matter legally, emphasizing that if the situation remains unresolved, they will consider bringing the case before a judge or jury. He is also exploring political avenues, including seeking a discussion with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, urging him to clarify why the payout is being withheld.
In a related development, Abbott has ordered investigations into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s ticket and another issue involving a bulk ticket purchase that occurred in April 2023. Lawmakers in Texas are currently in the process of drafting bills that could formally ban courier services, citing concerns about underage gambling and other violations of game integrity.
Critics of courier services argue that they lack sufficient regulatory oversight, potentially exposing consumers to risks. In response to the ban, Jackpocket has suspended its operations in Texas, stating that it has always operated transparently and in compliance with the lottery commission’s guidelines.
The status of the woman’s claim remains uncertain as discussions about the legality and fairness of the Texas Lottery Commission’s actions continue. As the situation unfolds, Howry remains adamant about pursuing justice, warning that his client’s plight could have broader implications for lottery players in the state.
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