AUSTIN, Texas — Ryan Mindell, Executive Director of the Texas Lottery Commission, announced his resignation Monday, April 21, as questions surrounding the integrity of recent lottery operations continue to intensify.
Mindell’s resignation comes just one year after his appointment to the role and follows mounting concerns from state officials regarding the transparency and legitimacy of lottery practices.
In an official statement, the Texas Lottery Commission 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.”
Background: Controversial Wins Raise Red Flags
Scrutiny intensified in February when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick launched an independent investigation following the sale of an $83.5 million winning ticket at Winners Corner TX LLC in North Austin. The store, which operates as a lottery courier service, has been associated with multiple high-value wins, including a $2 million prize in December 2024.
Lottery courier services allow customers to purchase tickets online, after which a courier physically buys the ticket from a retail location. This practice, while legal under current state guidelines, has prompted ethical concerns, especially in light of repeated large-ticket wins at the same location.
Lt. Gov. Patrick voiced his concern directly while visiting the North Austin store:
“Do you not see an issue where the public might lose confidence if the courier service, which owns the location, also happens to sell the $83 million winning ticket?” he asked a store employee.
Statewide Investigation and Legislative Response
Governor Greg Abbott has since directed the Texas Rangers to investigate two high-profile cases:
- The $83.5 million winning ticket sold in North Austin in February 2025
- A $95 million ticket sold in Colleyville in April 2023
In response to these investigations, state lawmakers have been actively debating new regulations to ensure fairness and restore public trust in the lottery system.
One such proposal, Senate Bill 28, aims to prohibit the sale of Texas Lottery tickets through online platforms and mobile apps. The bill, which passed the Texas Senate in February, would effectively shut down courier services if approved by the House.
As the Texas Lottery Commission prepares to appoint new leadership, the future of digital ticket sales and third-party courier operations remains a pressing concern for lawmakers and players alike.