Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Ryan Mindell has resigned just one year into his tenure, as the agency faces mounting scrutiny over two high-profile lottery wins that have triggered state investigations and public concern over the system’s integrity.
Mindell announced his resignation effective April 21, with the Commission’s Chief Financial Officer Sergio Rey stepping in as acting deputy director. The board is expected to consider a permanent appointment during its next scheduled meeting on April 29. The Texas Lottery Commission declined to comment further, citing a policy of not discussing personnel matters.
Mindell’s departure comes at a turbulent time for the agency, which has been embroiled in controversy since February when Governor Greg Abbott ordered investigations into two questionable lottery wins — incidents that raised serious concerns about the fairness and oversight of Texas’s $8 billion lottery industry.
Investigations into Controversial Lottery Wins
One of the investigations centers on a 2023 $95 million jackpot won by a company, Rook TX, which reportedly purchased nearly all possible six-digit number combinations — over 25 million — through a bulk buying strategy. The company, operating under Texas laws that allow jackpot anonymity, collected a one-time payout of $57.8 million just two months later, according to a Houston Chronicle investigation.
The second case involves an Austin woman who purchased a winning ticket through the Jackpocket app, a third-party digital courier service, on February 17, 2024. Her $83.5 million prize remains under review after the Texas Lottery Commission launched an external investigation into the circumstances of the purchase. While the agency has not publicly detailed the reasons for withholding the prize, it coincides with the Commission’s sudden crackdown on courier services.
Mindell, who took office less than a year ago, had spearheaded efforts to strengthen public confidence in the lottery system. In a February 24 news release, he announced a ban on lottery ticket couriers, accusing them of exploiting regulatory loopholes and engaging in arrangements that could allow them to determine whether tickets were winners before fulfilling online orders. Retailers were warned that cooperating with such couriers could result in license revocations.
“Previously, the agency interpreted its authority as not extending to the regulation or prohibition of these services,” Mindell said. “Since I became executive director, I have been keenly focused on making changes to improve the public’s perception of Texas Lottery games and how they are operated.”
The timing of the Austin woman’s win, just days before the courier ban took effect, complicated matters further. Her attorney, Randy Howry, told People Magazine that she “followed all the Texas Lottery Commission rules” when purchasing the ticket via Jackpocket. “If you allow a person to play by your rules and they win and you refuse to pay ’em,” Howry said, “then why would anyone play the Texas lottery going forward?”
Are Courier Services Legal in Texas?
At the time of the February win, the use of digital couriers had not yet been formally banned. However, in late February, the Texas Senate passed legislation to permanently prohibit the sale of lottery tickets through third-party services. That bill is still awaiting a vote in the Texas House.
The controversy has led to broader political consequences. Lawmakers have threatened to shutter the Texas Lottery entirely, citing failures in lawful operations and oversight. Currently, the state legislature is negotiating a two-year budget that will determine the commission’s future funding and operational viability.
“Texans must be able to trust in our state’s lottery system and know that the lottery is conducted with integrity and lawfully,” Governor Abbott emphasized in a February statement. “I directed the Texas Rangers to fully investigate these incidents and identify any potential wrongdoing. Texans deserve a lottery that is fair and transparent for everyone.”
What’s Next?
As investigations proceed, the future of the Texas Lottery Commission remains uncertain. With leadership changes underway, new regulatory measures pending legislative approval, and trust among players severely shaken, the agency faces a pivotal moment that could redefine lottery operations in Texas for years to come.
The next Commission board meeting on April 29 will be closely watched for decisions on permanent leadership — and potentially, the broader reforms that could reshape public gaming across the state.
