An 83-year-old Texas retiree who goes by Jane Doe hit a $71.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot on Feb. 17 — and then watched her payout get frozen a week later when state regulators banned the app she used to buy the ticket. She's now suing.
The winning ticket and the sudden ban
Doe bought her winning ticket through Jackpocket, a third-party courier service that lets customers order lottery tickets from their phones. Seven days after her win, the Texas Lottery Commission banned third-party courier services entirely, citing concerns about their legality. The Texas Rangers have opened an investigation into the matter, though no specific findings have been released.
Doe's payout hasn't been handed over. The Texas Lottery Commission has frozen it, pending the outcome of the probe.
Lawsuit challenges the freeze
Doe filed a lawsuit this week arguing the freeze is unlawful. Her complaint notes that she purchased the ticket through a service that was allowed at the time of the purchase. She contends the state can't retroactively punish a transaction that was legal when it happened.
She wants the court to order the lottery to pay her the full jackpot, plus interest and legal costs. The Texas Lottery Commission hasn't filed a response yet.
What the investigation means for Doe
The Texas Rangers investigation is ongoing, and it's not clear what they're looking into. The commission hasn't said whether the ban targets Jackpocket specifically or all courier services. For Doe, the wait means her retirement plans are on hold. She's been a loyal lottery player for years, according to court documents.
Other Jackpocket users are watching closely. If Doe loses, anyone who bought a winning ticket through a courier service could face the same problem.
Doe's next court date hasn't been set. Until the Texas Rangers finish their work or a judge steps in, her $71.5 million stays in state hands.
