Texas Lottery Chief resigns after $95m jackpot investigation
Senior figure departs as investigations continue into lottery breach.
Key points:
– Ryan Mindell has resigned as Executive Director of the Texas Lottery Commission following a dispute involving a $95m (£77m) jackpot
– State-led investigations are ongoing into large-scale ticket purchases and the use of courier services
Ryan Mindell has resigned as Executive Director of the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) with immediate effect. The resignation follows a $95m jackpot win in 2023.
In the incident under review, a consortium led by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli is reported to have legally acquired all 25.8 million possible $1 lottery ticket combinations to secure the jackpot. The group is said to have used official printing terminals operating continuously to generate the required tickets.
Mindell had served as Executive Director for one year, having previously held positions including Deputy Executive Director and Assistant General Counsel.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Rangers are continuing investigations into operations linked to the TLC. These include investigating third-party courier apps used to purchase tickets, one of which was involved in a separate disputed $83.5m jackpot claim earlier this year.
Good to know: The Texas Legislature has currently set the TLC’s budget at $0 for the next two financial years starting September 2025, pending further legislative action
Robert G. Rivera, TLC Chairman, stated: “Ryan Mindell notified the Texas Lottery Commission board of his resignation, effective today, April 21. Sergio Rey, the agency’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Acting Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Lottery.
“The Commission board will consider its selection process for a new executive director at its next open meeting, scheduled for April 29.”
Bob Hall, State Senator, added: “I am in favor of doing anything that puts an end to lottery in Texas while we protect the money that was going to veterans.”
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