Lottery Chief Resigns After 'Biggest Theft' in the History of Texas
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Ryan Mindell announced his resignation as executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) on Monday after the state-funded body was engulfed in a series of scandals.
In 2023, a single buyer purchased around 25.8 million $1 Texas lottery tickets, nearly all there were, in order to secure a $95 million jackpot in what Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called "the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas."
The TLC told Newsweek it does not comment on personnel matters or have additional information beyond a statement released on Monday when contacted for comment.
Why It Matters
In recent years, the Texas Lottery has become embroiled in a number of scandals and is currently under investigation by the Texas Attorney General's Office and the Texas Rangers from the Department of Public Safety.
What To Know
On Monday in a statement, TLC Chairman Robert G. Rivera said that Mindell had "notified the Texas Lottery Commission board of his resignation, effective today."
Mindell served as executive director for exactly one year, following the resignation of his longstanding predecessor Gary Grief. He previously worked as deputy executive director, operations director and assistant general counsel for the TLC.
In this photo illustration, a lottery ticket is shown on a Chevron gas station countertop on July 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas.
In this photo illustration, a lottery ticket is shown on a Chevron gas station countertop on July 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas.
Brandon Bell/GETTY
In 2023, a $95 million jackpot was won by a consortium led by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli, which purchased nearly all of the 25.8 million possible number combinations at $1 per ticket.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Marantelli and his associates obtained official ticket-printing terminals, which they operated around the clock to produce the requisite tickets.
Lieutenant Governor Patrick described their win as "the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas" though Marantelli's legal representative insisted that "all applicable laws, rules and regulations were followed."
The Texas Lottery has also been criticized over the operation of ticket courier services, third-party companies that sell game tickets through smartphone apps.
In March 2025, one woman, who said she had a $83.5 million winning Texas Lottery jackpot ticket, was told she wouldn't receive any money until the completion of separate investigations led by Attorney General Paxton and the Texas Rangers. It emerged her ticket had been purchased via an online courier app.
Following criticism, the TLC changed its rules to ban bulk purchases from professional gamblers along with courier companies.
The Texas Lottery, which was launched in 1992 with approval from the state legislature, says it has generated over $40 billion for the state government.
Around $34 billion has gone to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas, with funding also going to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance, according to Texas Lottery.
What People Are Saying
In his statement,TLC Chairman Rivera said: "Ryan Mindell notified the Texas Lottery Commission board of his resignation, effective today, April 21. Sergio Rey, the agency's Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Acting Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Lottery. The Commission board will consider its selection process for a new executive director at its next open meeting, scheduled for April 29."
Speaking to the Austin American-Stateman, state Senator Bob Hall, a Republican, welcomed Mindell's resignation. He said: "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."
What Happens Next
The Texas Legislature has set the TLC's budget at $0 for two years beginning in September, a move that could well bankrupt the body unless a compromise is found. Investigations into the TLC from the Attorney General's Office and the Texas Rangers look set to continue.
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