Texas Lottery Winner Receives $83.5 Million Prize following Delivery Dispute
In a significant turn of events, Kristen Moriarty, a Texas resident, has won her lawsuit against the Texas Lottery. This victory comes after months of withheld payment and legal battles, following her win of an $83.5 million jackpot in February 2023 [1][2].
Moriarty's winning ticket was purchased using a courier service, a practice that has been under scrutiny due to the controversy surrounding the case. The controversy arose when a company named Rook TX allegedly bought nearly every possible ticket combination for the $95 million jackpot in the April 2023 draw, raising significant suspicions of possible improprieties [1].
The Texas Rangers are still investigating this April 2023 draw, with no public final outcome or conclusion released yet [1]. The investigation has been a subject of debate, with some lawmakers expressing a desire to abolish the lottery altogether due to the controversy [1]. Proposals have also been made to ban lottery couriers as a result of the controversy [1].
The Texas Lottery's initial denial of payment to Moriarty was a point of contention, with Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick questioning the integrity of the state lottery [1]. After not receiving her payout, Moriarty hired legal counsel and described feeling caught up in a "political tornado of controversy" in an anonymous interview in March [1].
Amidst the ongoing controversies and organizational changes in Texas lottery governance, Moriarty will now receive the full $83.5 million jackpot payout [2]. However, it's important to note that the payout will be reduced by $11 million to cover the prize's tax obligations [1].
The case ends a long-running saga in the state regarding lottery courier services and serves as a reminder of the sustained concerns over transparency and fairness within Texas Lottery operations [3]. The investigation into the April 2023 draw linked to Rook TX remains active under Texas Rangers' review, but no definitive public report or outcome explaining findings or penalties has been disclosed as of mid-2025 [1].
The resignation of Texas Lottery Commissioner, Clark Smith, due to the controversy surrounding the case further underscores the need for reform within the Texas Lottery Commission [1]. The broader context shows that the Texas Lottery Commission faced widespread criticism and scrutiny over corrupt practices, including rigged jackpots and illegal ticket sales, as documented in investigations and a 2025 documentary titled Rigged: How the Lottery is Playing Texans [3].
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 15). Texas lottery commissioner resigns amid controversy. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/15/us/texas-lottery-commissioner-resigns-controversy/index.html
[2] The Texas Tribune. (2025, August 16). Kristen Moriarty wins her lawsuit against the Texas Lottery. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/16/kristen-moriarty-texas-lottery-lawsuit/
[3] The Dallas Morning News. (2025, June 1). Rigged: How the Lottery is Playing Texans. https://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/movies/2025/06/01/rigged-how-the-lottery-is-playing-texans/
- The controversy surrounding the Texas Lottery, specifically the April 2023 draw, has sparked debates about policy and legislation, with some lawmakers proposing to ban lottery couriers and even questioning the need for the lottery itself.
- The culture and integrity of the casino-and-gambling industry, including state lotteries like Texas, have been under scrutiny due to the latest events involving Kristen Moriarty's lawsuit and the controversial April 2023 draw, shedding light on possible improprieties and corrupt practices.
- The Texas Rangers are still investigating the April 2023 draw, with the investigation intertwined with general news, crime-and-justice, and casino-culture aspects, as well as the involvement of specific casino-personalities like Rook TX.
- Concerns regarding responsible-gambling and fairness within the Texas Lottery have been amplified by Moriarty's long-fought battle for her winnings, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the casino-games and lotteries sectors.
- As the Texas Lottery Commission faces widespread criticism, ongoing investigations, and organizational changes, including the resignation of Commissioner Clark Smith, the "politics" surrounding gambling trends are once again at the forefront, with calls for reform to ensure responsible and fair gaming practices for all enthusiasts in Texas and beyond.
