The Texas Lottery Commission shutdown is moving closer to reality as Senate Bill 3070, which proposes the agency’s abolition, continues to gain momentum in the state legislature. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and is now awaiting debate in the Texas House. This legislative move, combined with an ongoing lawsuit over unpaid lottery winnings, has placed the commission at the center of public and political scrutiny.
Senate Bill 3070, approved by a 31-0 vote on May 15, 2025, seeks to dissolve the Texas Lottery Commission and transfer its responsibilities to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The proposal aims to address longstanding concerns about the commission’s integrity and operations. The bill remains pending in the House, scheduled for discussion on May 25, 2025. If passed and signed into law, the Texas Lottery Commission shutdown would take effect, significantly changing how the state manages its lottery and charitable bingo activities.
Controversy surrounding the commission intensified after a lawsuit was filed by a woman who claims she was denied her $83.5 million winnings from the February 17, 2025 “Lotto Texas” drawing. She alleges the commission altered rules after the drawing to disqualify her use of the Jackpocket courier service. The situation has raised broader concerns about transparency and fairness in the commission’s practices.
Executive Director Ryan Mindell resigned in April 2025 amid these controversies, further fueling calls for reform. Public responses have been divided, with some viewing the Texas Lottery Commission shutdown as necessary for accountability, while others worry about its impact on state revenue, particularly education funding supported by lottery proceeds.
A separate legislative effort, Senate Bill 2402, was introduced to continue the commission under the standard sunset review process but faced obstacles after the House removed its funding. As a result, SB 3070 remains the most immediate and likely path to the Texas Lottery Commission shutdown.
With the House debate scheduled and the legislative session ending on June 2, 2025, the future of the commission may soon be decided. The decision will have far-reaching implications for state governance, lottery participants, and the regulation of gaming services in Texas.
