Austin, Texas — A Texas resident received an $83 million lottery jackpot following a six-month legal battle with the Texas Lottery Commission over the use of a third-party courier service.
Kristen Moriarty purchased the winning ticket on February 17 through a mobile application using a third-party courier, a practice that was later banned in the state. The payout was delayed as officials conducted an investigation into the legality of such services.
As part of a settlement agreement, Moriarty accepted a cash payout of approximately $45 million before taxes. Her legal representative stated that the delay caused significant stress and uncertainty.
The dispute brought attention to the legal gray area surrounding mobile app-based lottery ticket purchases and prompted Texas officials to prohibit courier services. The Texas Lottery Commission emphasized that tickets should be bought through authorized retailers to comply with state regulations.
Officials confirmed that the settlement concluded without further contest, and Moriarty has received her winnings. The case is expected to influence future policies and legal interpretations related to lottery transactions conducted via third-party platforms.
The Texas Lottery Commission stated it remains committed to maintaining integrity in prize distribution and continues to review its policies to address challenges arising from evolving technologies.