Texas Aims to Restore Trust in Lottery with Ban on Courier Services

The Texas Lottery has been under immense scrutiny lately with accusations of fraud and that became more apparent after the most recent Lotto Texas win.

It has been under so much scrutiny that the Texas Lottery commissioner Clark Smith resigned on Friday, February 21st after Texas lawmakers questioned the 83.5 million dollar Lotto Texas Extra! win after being purchased through a courier.

This comes after accusations of the Texas Lottery being used for money laundering.

Read More: Money Laundering Claims Rock Texas Lottery. |

On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Ryan Mindell issued a Policy Statement.  He announced that lottery ticket courier services are not allowed under Texas law and that the Texas Lottery will prohibit lottery courier services in Texas effective immediately.

The Texas Lottery was established to provide a secure and transparent system for players to purchase tickets in person from licensed brick-and-mortar retailers for the purpose of generating revenue for public education and veterans’ services in a responsible manner.” -Mindell.

 

Mindell went on to say that the Texas Lottery Commission will revoke the license of any retailer that works with or assists a courier service.  The Commission wants to make sure that all ticket sales comply with state law and agency regulations.

Read More: Is The Texas Lottery On The Brink Of Not Existing? |

Our lawmakers in Texas have been showing concern for this as well.  During the 89th Texas Legislature, multiple proposals have been filed including HB 389, SB 28, and SB 79.

Although, for most using a courier service to purchase lottery tickets has been a convenience for those who play, as with anything, a few have ruined it for everyone by allegedly using these services illegally.