A Texas woman who thought her life had changed forever after winning a massive $83.5 million jackpot is now taking the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) to court. Instead of celebrating, she’s fighting a legal battle just to claim what she believes is rightfully hers.
The woman, who has not publicly revealed her identity, bought her ticket for the February 17 Lotto Texas drawing using Jackpocket, a popular third-party app that allows users to purchase lottery tickets from their phones. When the numbers were drawn, she had all six—the jackpot-winning combination. But the payout never came.
A Rule Change That Sparked a Firestorm
At the heart of the dispute is how the ticket was purchased. Jackpocket has been a legal, state-approved courier service since 2019. It acts as a go-between, buying official lottery tickets on behalf of users. The woman’s ticket was purchased through a North Austin retailer using this app.
Just a week after her big win, the TLC quietly changed its policy, banning the use of all courier services like Jackpocket. The problem? They’re applying this change retroactively—after the woman had already won. That means they’re using a new rule to invalidate her jackpot claim.
Her lawyers argue this is completely unfair. She followed every rule that was in place when she bought the ticket. Now they say the state is trying to avoid paying by changing the game after the fact.
Political Pressure Heats Things Up
The situation has caught the attention of some of Texas’ top officials. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick criticized the use of lottery courier apps, saying they raise questions about the integrity of the system. Governor Greg Abbott has gone further, calling for a full investigation into how the lottery and these apps operate.
The TLC says it hasn’t officially denied the woman’s claim but admits it’s being investigated. Meanwhile, she’s stuck in limbo, with millions of dollars on the line and no clear answers.
Jackpocket Suspends Operations Amid Growing Scrutiny
In response to the controversy, Jackpocket has suspended its service in Texas. The company says it’s disappointed and believes it was offering a safer, more convenient way for people to play the lottery—especially those who can’t get to a store in person.
However, critics argue these types of services aren’t regulated enough. They worry about things like underage players slipping through the cracks. Some lawmakers are already working on legislation to ban or heavily restrict apps like Jackpocket across the state.
Not the First Time Texas Lottery Has Been Under the Microscope
This isn’t the first time lottery courier apps have caused problems in Texas. In 2023, a group reportedly used these apps to buy every possible number combination in a Lotto Texas drawing—essentially guaranteeing themselves a $95 million win. That triggered outrage from lawmakers and sparked investigations into how apps are used to play the lottery.
Now, with this new lawsuit, the heat is back on the TLC. Many are asking if the commission is doing enough to protect the integrity of the lottery—or if it’s just making up the rules as it goes.
What’s Next?
For now, the woman’s lawsuit is working its way through the courts. If she wins, it could set a major precedent for lottery courier services across the country. If she loses, it might discourage players from using these apps at all, fearing their winnings could be taken away.
One thing is clear: this legal fight isn’t just about one person’s jackpot. It’s about whether the state can change the rules after a ticket is bought—and what that means for every Texan hoping their lucky numbers will finally hit.
