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Ryan Mindell, the executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC), resigned on Monday (April 21) following a massive scandal involving a $95 million jackpot. This incident, described by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick as "the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas," involved a syndicate that exploited the lottery system to secure the jackpot.
In 2023, a consortium led by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli purchased nearly all 25.8 million possible $1 ticket combinations to guarantee a share of the jackpot, along with millions in secondary prizes. The operation was facilitated by the use of official ticket-printing terminals, which ran continuously to produce the necessary tickets. The syndicate's actions have sparked outrage and scrutiny from Texas lawmakers and the public.
The Texas Lottery Commission has faced criticism for allowing third-party lottery couriers, which enabled the syndicate to make bulk purchases. The commission has since banned such courier services and is under investigation by the Texas Attorney General's Office and the Texas Rangers. The TLC's budget has been set to zero for two years starting in September, potentially leading to its bankruptcy unless a compromise is reached.
Mindell, who served as executive director for one year, had previously worked to implement policies restricting bulk ticket buying. In a statement, TLC Chairman Robert G. Rivera announced that Sergio Rey, the agency's Chief Financial Officer, will serve as Acting Deputy Executive Director. The commission will discuss the selection process for a new executive director at its next meeting on April 29.
The scandal has led to calls for reform, with some lawmakers likening the event to organized crime. The Texas Lottery, established in 1992, has generated over $40 billion for the state, with most funds supporting public education and veterans' assistance. However, this incident has raised questions about the integrity of the lottery system and its management.