$95M Texas lottery controversy debate continues

More than three years after a controversial $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot was won, questions about the drawing are following one of the state’s longtime lottery vendors into the future. Brightstar Lottery, formerly known as IGT, faced scrutiny during a recent hearing before the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs over its role in the April 2023 drawing.

The company provides lottery operations services and was in charge of supplying the equipment that was used by retailers to sell millions of Lotto Texas tickets ahead of the drawing. Now, as Texas is looking for a company to handle lottery operations going forward, some lawmakers are questioning whether Brightstar should remain in the picture.

Millions of tickets and a $95 million jackpot

This controversy centers around an April 22, 2023, Lotto Texas drawing.

For that drawing, an entity known os Rook TX bought millions of tickets that effectively covered every possible number combination. There was one jackpot-winning ticket for that drawing, which was held by Rook TX, and they eventually claimed the $95 million advertised prize.

This week, Houston attorney Manfred Sternberg, who says he represents people harmed by the alleged scheme, returned to the Capitol to discuss the drawing.

During the hearing, Sternberg claimed that former Texas Lottery Commission officials helped four retailers obtain dozens of lottery terminals. Those terminals allowed millions of tickets to be printed during a roughly 72-hour span.

Sternberg also put a spotlight on Brightstar, which was responsible for delivering and servicing the lottery terminals. He alleged the company made approximately $700,000 from commissions tied to ticket sales for the drawing and questioned whether that money should be returned.

Sternberg asked lawmakers, “Has anyone asked for that money back? I don’t think so,” according to KXAN.

Since that drawing, former Texas Lottery Commission Executive Director Gary Grief has been indicted for abuse of official capacity. His case remains pending, and he is due in court in October 2026.

Brightstar pushes back

Meanwhile, Brightstar maintains it did nothing wrong. The company states they were simply carrying out its responsibilities under its contract with the Texas Lottery Commission.

Brightstar spokesperson Mike DeAngelis stated:

“In 2023, at the direction of the Texas Lottery Commission, we provided hardware, software, and support services for the Texas Lottery at retail locations throughout the state.”

According to DeAngelis, the company’s contract required it to service licensed retailers, including installing terminals and delivering ticket paper and other supplies when directed by the lottery.

This could become more and more important as the state decides who will help operate its lottery in the years ahead.

Who will run the Texas Lottery next?

The Texas Lottery Commission no longer exists. The agency was abolished in 2025 thanks to Senate Bill 3070. Oversight of the lottery was transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The bill also provided for Brightstar’s existing contract to be extended for no more than two years. This gave Texas time to conduct a procurement process for future lottery operations. Currently, TDLR is soliciting bids, putting the state’s relationship with Brightstar back under the microscope.

State Sen. Bob Hall, who authored SB 3070, warned officials at this week's hearing, “We have to be very careful about their role going forward.”

For Texas Lottery players, the fallout from one crazy night in 2023 is no longer only about how one group managed to buy millions of tickets. It’s also becoming a question about who Texas trusts to help run the lottery moving forward.

Enjoy playing the Texas Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.