Texas Woman Wins $83 Million Lottery Jackpot After 6-Month Delay

Why this matters: This situation highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of lottery winnings, especially when legal and regulatory issues arise. It also underscores the importance of understanding the rules and regulations surrounding lottery purchases and payouts.

Kristen Moriarty purchased $20 worth of Lotto Texas tickets on Feb. 17 through a phone app. When she tried to collect the lump sum payout of nearly $46 million, the Texas Lottery Commission initially refused to pay, citing ongoing legislative changes related to courier apps. These apps allow individuals to play official state lottery games on their phones.

Attorney Randy Howry argued that the commission could not change the rules after the drawing. The Texas Legislature was in the process of criminalizing these courier apps, leading to the initial refusal to pay Moriarty her winnings.

Ultimately, the Texas Lottery Commission, with guidance from the Office of the Texas Attorney General, reached a settlement, and Moriarty received a single payment of $45,889,188.92 before taxes. The incident also draws attention to the upcoming changes to the Texas Lottery Commission, which is scheduled to be abolished on Sept. 1, with control transitioning to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The commission refused to pay due to legal challenges and legislative changes regarding courier apps that allow people to play lottery games on their phones.

Moriarty received a lump sum payment of $45,889,188.92 before taxes.

The Texas Lottery Commission is scheduled to be abolished on Sept. 1, with control of the lottery transitioning to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

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