Woman Spent Nearly 6 Months Waiting to Receive Her $83.5 Million Jackpot. Now Texas Lottery Is Paying Up

Woman to Receive $83.5M Jackpot After Lawsuit Against Lottery Denied

A woman who recently won an $83.5 million lottery jackpot in Texas is set to finally receive her winnings after taking legal action against the state’s Lottery Commission. Kristen Moriarty, the lucky winner, became embroiled in a months-long battle to claim her prize before the Commission confirmed a resolution in a statement released to PEOPLE on August 5th. The Commission disclosed that they had settled the ongoing litigation with the Lotto Texas jackpot claimant for the February 17, 2025 draw.

According to the Texas Lottery Commission, the prize money will be disbursed to Kristen Moriarty in a lump sum payment of nearly $46 million, pre-tax. Randy Howry, Moriarty’s attorney based in Austin, Texas, also corroborated the news in documentation provided to PEOPLE. Moriarty shared her initial ticket purchase experience with the Austin American-Statesman in March, revealing that she had used the Jackpocket app to buy lottery tickets worth $20. Subsequently, delays caused by investigations hindered her from receiving the jackpot she had rightfully won.

NBC affiliate KXAN reported that Moriarty utilized the Jackpocket app, a service that allows users to participate in official state lottery games via their smartphones. These apps operate by acting as “couriers,” enabling users to place orders for lottery tickets, which are then physically purchased on their behalf from authorised retailers. Following the draw in February, Texas Governor Greg Abbott launched an investigation into lottery wins dating back to April 2023, including Moriarty’s case, as reported by The New York Times.

Attorney Randy Howry expressed Moriarty’s consistent adherence to the rules of the game, stating that she had faithfully played through the Jackpocket app for years, always receiving her winnings promptly. Howry emphasized that Moriarty, a widow and mother of two, had simply chosen a convenient and safe method to play the lottery. He stressed the importance of honoring the rules set by the Texas Lottery Commission, underscoring the principle of fair play for all participants.

In May, Moriarty’s legal representatives filed a lawsuit against Sergio Rey, the acting deputy executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, demanding the rightful payment of her prize money. The lawsuit detailed the sequence of events following Moriarty’s presentation of the winning ticket on March 18, highlighting the Commission’s acknowledgment of her as the rightful winner. However, Rey and the Commission allegedly hesitated to award the jackpot owing to external pressures from elected officials.

The complaint further underscored the Commission’s attempt to alter regulations post-draw, particularly concerning the utilization of lottery ticket courier services like Jackpocket. This move contradicted established rules and raised concerns over the fairness and transparency of lottery procedures. Recent legislative changes have since criminalized courier services in Texas, with plans for transitioning lottery operations to another state department in September.

In a press release issued by Howry’s law firm, the significance of pursuing justice through the legal system was emphasised in rectifying the injustices faced by Moriarty. Following a protracted legal battle, Moriarty’s perseverance has led to the Lottery Commission fulfilling its obligation to award the rightful winner her $83.5 million jackpot. The case serves as a testament to the importance of upholding fairness and integrity in lottery operations, ensuring that all winners receive their due rewards promptly and without prejudice.