Resignation of Texas Lottery Chief Sparks Deeper Scrutiny

lawmakers, legal authorities, and the public. His departure on April 21 follows ongoing investigations into two jackpots from 2023 and early 2025, worth $95 million and $83.5 million respectively, both of which have stirred significant controversy over their legitimacy.

Mindell’s tenure at the helm lasted just over a year. He previously served as Deputy Executive Director and Assistant General Counsel for the TLC. His resignation was confirmed by TLC Chairman Robert G. Rivera, who stated that “Sergio Rey, the agency’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Acting Deputy Executive Director.” The Commission board is expected to deliberate on the process of selecting a new executive director at its next public meeting on April 29.

Investigations Into Bulk Purchases and Courier Sales

The $95 million jackpot, awarded in April 2023, is at the heart of the current storm. A consortium led by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli allegedly used official Texas Lottery terminals to print all 25.8 million possible $1 ticket combinations, effectively guaranteeing a win. The group reportedly operated the terminals continuously over a short period to achieve this.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed by Hood County resident Jerry B. Reed alleges he was deprived of a fair chance to win a larger jackpot in May 2023 due to the prior mass purchase. The suit claims several companies, including realmoneyaction.casinowinning.net and Colossus Bets, colluded to print the tickets using unauthorized software that manipulated QR codes to exploit the state’s lottery terminals. Rook TX, the entity that claimed the $95 million prize, is accused of being a front designed to conceal the identities of those behind the scheme.

In a separate case from February 2025, an $83.5 million win is under review after the ticket was purchased through a lottery courier service. The Commission has since moved to ban these services and labeled them as operating outside Texas law.

Political Pressure and Legal Ramifications

State leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, have launched investigations through the Texas Rangers and the state’s legal apparatus. Governor Abbott’s spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, reiterated the istration’s stance, saying: “The governor expects the Texas Lottery Commission to work within the bounds of the law and to ensure the trust and integrity of the lottery regardless of who leads the agency.”

The Texas Legislature has responded with sharp criticism. Public hearings have been held to examine how courier companies were allowed to operate in Texas despite state law requiring in-person purchases. State Senator Bob Hall voiced strong opposition to the Lottery’s continuation, stating, “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.”

At present, the House version of the state’s two-year budget proposes allocating no funds to the Texas Lottery Commission starting in September 2025, signaling the potential shutdown of the agency. However, political analysts suggest this may be a strategic move to press for reforms rather than a definitive plan to abolish the commission.

Legal Fallout and the Path Forward

As legal proceedings unfold, questions remain about the future of the Texas Lottery. The lawsuit filed by Reed seeks financial restitution for what he alleges was a fraudulent scheme that undermined fair play. The payment for the February 2025 jackpot is also being withheld pending the completion of investigations.

In response to these developments, the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers has issued a statement defending its role, accusing the Commission under Mindell’s leadership of “politically motivated decisions.” The group called his resignation an “opportunity to restart good faith collaboration.”

With the agency up for Sunset review this year, the Legislature must decide whether the Texas Lottery should continue to operate. As Lt. Governor Dan Patrick recently stated, “We can not renew the Lottery Commission if we can’t trust it.”

Source:

The Texas Lottery’s top executive resigns as scrutiny over big jackpot winners intensifies, edition.cnn.com, April 23, 2025.