Texas Woman Denied Lottery Jackpot, Could it Happen in Louisiana?

A Texas woman's dreams recently came true when she discovered she won $83.5 million Mega Millions jackpot.

However, her dreams turned into a nightmare when the Texas Lottery Commission told her they were not going to pay her the $83.5 million jackpot because she purchased her winning ticket on a 3rd party app.

Could this happen in Louisiana?

Texas Woman Denied $83 Million Lottery Jackpot

A Texas woman, who is currently remaining anonymous, has hired a lawyer as she fights the Texas Lottery Commission to try to get her $83.5 million jackpot winnings.

The Texas Lottery Commission has in fact confirmed the woman's Mega Millions ticket is the winning ticket and that she is the person who purchased the ticket, but are currently refusing to pay her the winnings.

The reason?

The woman purchased her winning Lotto ticket on the app Jackpocket, a lottery courier service.

Texas lawmakers are currently working to ban the lottery courier service.

From nypost.com -

"The app and other similar courier services — which buy lottery tickets on people’s behalf for a service fee — are facing intense backlash from Texas lawmakers, many of whom feel they are operating illegally under current state law."

According to the woman and her lawyer, when she purchased her winning Mega Millions ticket, the Texas Lottery Commission was not attempting to ban the use of lottery courier services and everything was completely legal and above board.

In February of 2025, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would ban courier services in the State, and will become law if passed by the Texas House.

As of now, the Texas Lottery Commission has not paid the $83.5 million jackpot and say they'll determine whether they pay out only after the current investigation is completed.

This got us thinking...could something like this happen in Louisiana?

Is Jackpocket Legal In Louisiana?

First of all, what exactly is Jackpocket?

From worldpopulationreview.com -

"Jackpocket, a mobile app that allows users to play the lottery from their smartphones, operates in several states across the United States.

This innovative platform offers convenience and accessibility to lottery enthusiasts, making it easier for them to participate in their favorite games."
Currently, Jackpocket is only legally available in 19 States across the U.S.

Jackpocket is not available in Louisiana to legally buy Louisiana Lottery tickets.

Can You Buy Louisiana Lottery Tickets Online?

Nope.

According to the Louisiana Lottery website "State law prevents the sale of Louisiana Lottery products through the internet. Only licensed retailers are legally authorized to sell Louisiana Lottery tickets."

So unless you want to find yourself in a situation like this woman, never buy any Louisiana Lottery tickets online, from any website.

Read more about the Texas woman not getting her Lottery winnings over at nypost.com.