A Texas woman won an $83.5 million jackpot on February 17, 2024, but her claim is being blocked due to controversy over using a third-party app, Jackpocket, to purchase her ticket. The app, a subsidiary of DraftKings, allows users to buy lottery tickets via phone, which the woman had been doing for years without issue.
Texas officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have raised concerns about the use of couriers for lottery ticket purchases, questioning the fairness and integrity of the process. Governor Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into the drawing.
Despite following all rules, the woman’s attorney stated that she was denied her prize during a meeting with state officials, with no timeline given for when the investigation will conclude. The woman argued she played by the rules and should not be penalized for the lottery’s issues.
