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Texas Lottery Director Resigns Amid Investigations
Austin, TX – The Texas Lottery Commission’s Executive Director, Ryan Mindell, resigned Monday amidst ongoing investigations into the integrity of lottery prizes and the role of third-party courier services. These investigations, ordered by Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, are scrutinizing how the state introduced and managed courier companies that purchase and deliver lottery tickets for online customers.
These couriers operate by taking online orders and payments from customers, then purchasing tickets on their behalf at licensed retailers. They then send a digital image of the ticket to the customer, holding the physical ticket until the results are determined. While both the companies and lottery officials deny any wrongdoing, Texas lawmakers are contemplating significant changes, including potentially banning sales through couriers or even defunding the entire agency.
The investigations were specifically triggered by two large winning tickets, an $83 million prize sold in Austin in February and a $95 million prize sold in Colleyville in April. Governor Abbott’s office emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in the lottery system.
The Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers has accused Mindell of unfairly targeting their industry, suggesting the agency is using them as a scapegoat. They view Mindell’s resignation as a chance to reset the relationship with the Commission.
Former Chief Financial Officer, Sergio Rey, has been appointed Acting Deputy Executive Director. The Commission will discuss the selection process for a new Executive Director at their next meeting on April 29th.