The recent investigation into Lottery. com reveals troubling connections between the company and the Texas Lottery Commission, which allegedly helped the firm secure a $95 million jackpot despite ongoing regulatory violations. An internal lawyer had previously expressed concerns about the legality of Lottery. com’s operations, which included selling tickets outside of Texas. Following the investigation, the company disclosed these violations and faced significant leadership changes, including the firing of its president and CFO.

However, the Texas Lottery Commission continued to support Lottery. com, providing resources to facilitate the processing of millions of tickets for a major draw. This collaboration raises serious questions about the integrity of government-run lotteries and their oversight mechanisms. Former Texas Lottery Executive Director Gary Grief has been criticized for his role in enabling these practices, including providing favorable legal interpretations that allowed the companies to flourish in a legal gray area. The situation underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within state agencies.

As the public grapples with these revelations, the integrity of the lottery system in Texas hangs in the balance.