Texas Lottery Commission Chief Resigns After Scrutiny Over Jackpot Scheme

Ryan Mindell, who served as the executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, has stepped down, as indicated by a concise announcement on the agency’s website Monday afternoon.

Mindell’s exit occurred nearly one year after he assumed the top position following the sudden resignation of longtime director Gary Grief. Mindell, an attorney by training, had previously held the positions of deputy executive director, operations director, and assistant general counsel throughout his nearly decade-long tenure at the commission.

Attempts to contact Mindell for a response were not successful. A representative from the Texas Lottery Commission stated that the agency would refrain from offering further details, referencing a policy that prohibits comments on personnel issues.

State Sen. Bob Hall, a Republican from Edgewood and a prominent opponent of the lottery, expressed his approval of the news. "I support any measures that will terminate the lottery in Texas, all while safeguarding the funds designated for veterans," Hall stated to the Austin American-Statesman. In Texas, nearly $2 billion each year from lottery proceeds supports public education.

Mindell’s resignation comes after a notably difficult year for the agency. The Houston Chronicle provided in-depth coverage of a contentious Lotto Texas drawing in 2023, where one buyer, through a strategic approach, acquired almost every possible number combination — amounting to 25.8 million tickets — to win a $95 million jackpot. The final one-time payout of $58 million yielded the anonymous corporation, RookTX, more than $20 million after expenses.

The Chronicle’s investigation linked the operation to international gambling figures, including an individual from Malta, a London betting company established by banker-turned-gambler Bernard Marantelli, and the infamous Tasmanian gambler Zeljko Ranogajec, recognized for managing extensive lottery bets.

Mindell, without direct responsibility, emerged as the public representative of the Texas Lottery’s escalating issues, resulting in increased scrutiny and criticism from both lawmakers and the general public.

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