Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, has resigned just one year into his tenure, following mounting controversy over a massive 2023 Lotto Texas jackpot purchase that drew national attention.
A brief statement from the agency on Monday announced that Ryan Mindell, the executive head of the Texas Lottery Commission, had resigned. It has been exactly one year since he took over as head of the commission after longtime director Gary Grief quit.
Mindell, an experienced lawyer who has worked for the commission in various capacities, could not be reached for comment. A spokesperson for the commission refused to provide further information, stating that it was against the rules to discuss staff issues.
After almost a year of public attention on the 2023 Lotto Texas prize, he quit. According to the Houston Chronicle, an unknown person or group, known as RookTX, successfully won a $95 million jackpot by purchasing almost every possible combination of numbers. This was an unprecedented move involving 25.8 million tickets. The grand prize was worth $58 million all at once, and experts estimate that the buyer made more than $20 million after accounting for costs.
Reports indicate that the jackpot strategy was devised by foreign betting interests, including a London-based company founded by gambler-turned-banker Bernard Marantelli and involving high-roller Zeljko Ranogajec from Tasmania. Both of these individuals have been linked to attempts to hack lottery systems worldwide.
The resignation was praised by State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood), a strong opponent of the lottery. He called it a "step forward" and called for better protections for funds meant for veterans and public education.
With Mindell's exit, the Texas Lottery has experienced another change in leadership during one of its most contentious periods since its inception more than 30 years ago.
