A group of international gamblers devised a legal strategy to acquire nearly every possible number combination in a Texas state lottery drawing, a plan aimed at ensuring a winning outcome. Their tactics proved successful, raising concerns that this may be a factor in another woman being denied her own $83.5 million prize.
“I’m being treated as the bad guy,” the anonymous winner lamented, expressing her frustration over the situation.
The Winning Scheme
The group’s lucrative $95 million win was led by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli, with funding provided by Zeljko Ranogajec, an Australian professional gambler commonly referred to as “the Joker.” The New York Post highlighted the nature of their victory, describing it as “something out of a heist movie.”
They capitalized on a straightforward mathematical principle: when the jackpot soars to a considerable sum, purchasing nearly every ticket can yield a profit. According to the Wall Street Journal, the group collaborated with Lottery.com, utilizing warehouses equipped with printing terminals that churned out 99.3% of all ticket combinations within a mere three days.
Ultimately, they received a lump-sum payout of $57.8 million; however, state lottery officials are now actively closing loopholes to prevent future winners from facing similar predicaments.
Legal Controversies Arise
At the time, acquiring all the ticket combinations was not deemed illegal according to Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) regulations. The Post pointed out, “nothing in the Texas state lottery code prohibits a person from buying every number combination.”
Winners in Texas also have the option to maintain their anonymity, so the group initially claimed their winnings through a local entity named Rook TX. Nevertheless, news of their massive victory quickly spread.
In February, a Texas woman secured an $83.5 million jackpot by purchasing her ticket through the Jackpocket app, only to be informed that she could not collect her winnings. The state is now increasingly scrutinizing any transactions outside tightly regulated, in-person lottery purchases, particularly when foreign entities are involved or the ticket-buying process becomes convoluted.
“Sometimes there are reasons to investigate, but I don’t believe mine is one of them,” the anonymous winner expressed in an interview with Nexstar, while asking to remain unnamed.
Concerns from Advocates
Dawn Nettles, a seasoned lottery watchdog, disagrees with the treatment of the anonymous winner. She asserted, “It doesn’t matter that the courier apps weren’t officially banned when she bought her ticket; it’s still illegal because she made an online purchase and incurred extra fees.”
Nettles also noted that while some individuals have previously gotten away with analogous purchases, she has joined a class action lawsuit aimed at challenging the $95 million payout to Rook TX, arguing that such practices should never have been permitted.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick referred to the group’s windfall as “the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas,” as reported by the Post. Others have voiced concerns that international groups are reaping winnings that should primarily benefit Texas residents.
Nettles further remarked, “If you win $50 million in the lottery, you are likely to purchase a new car or home, or treat friends — all of which would positively impact the state’s economy. But that benefit is lost if the money exits Texas.”
Changes in Regulations
In light of the controversies surrounding these large payouts, the Texas Lottery Commission formally prohibited lottery courier services in February 2025. A press release from the commission outlined that it would revoke the licenses of any retailers involved with these services. This policy took immediate effect and is expected to be incorporated into official regulations in the upcoming spring.
At the request of the governor, the Texas Rangers have commenced investigations into both the 2023 group win and the February 2025 case to ensure strict adherence to the updated rules.
Guidelines for Playing the Lottery Legally
For those looking to participate in the lottery, adhering to Texas law is vital to avoid complications, especially with heightened enforcement measures on the horizon. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:
Buy in person. Texas law strictly forbids the sale of lottery tickets via mail, phone, or over the internet. All ticket purchases must be made from a licensed retailer located within the state.
Avoid courier apps. As of February 2025, services like Jackpocket are no longer allowed in Texas. Even if such services still operate, tickets acquired through them may not be considered valid.
Read the rules. Each state has distinct regulations for their lotteries. Before buying a ticket, consult your state’s lottery commission for the latest guidelines and rules.
Keep your receipt. Retaining proof of your purchase is essential for claiming prizes or contesting a decision related to your ticket.
With regulatory changes in effect, lottery participants should be cautious to avoid making any missteps. It is essential to play within the parameters of both the letter and spirit of the law.
Additional Considerations
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains critical for all lottery players to stay informed about potential changes in legislation and to adjust their practices accordingly. Understanding the legal landscape can help ensure a fair experience for everyone involved in the Texas lottery.
