Texas Lottery Jackpot: The $95 Million Win That Sparked a State-Wide Scandal
On April 22, 2023, a syndicate led by Australian Bernard Marantelli, with funding assistance from prominent gambler Zeljko Ranogajec, claimed a $95 million Texas lottery jackpot. The syndicate, operating as Rook TX, won by purchasing approximately 25 million tickets, representing 99% of possible number combinations, over three days. The group opted for a $57 million lump sum cash prize before taxes.
The syndicate, operating as Rook TX, won a $95 million Texas lottery jackpot by purchasing approximately 25 million tickets, representing 99% of possible number combinations.
Syndicate Strategy and Execution
Marantelli, a former financial trader, stated that the strategy involved "schoolboy maths" to identify opportunities where the jackpot size justified buying a large number of tickets to guarantee a win. The syndicate had previously attempted a similar strategy in Connecticut in 2019, spending over $2 million without winning the jackpot.
To execute the Texas operation, which required purchasing close to 100 tickets per second for 72 hours, the syndicate engaged Ade Repcenko as a go-between. Repcenko facilitated introductions to Texas lottery retailers willing to process the bulk ticket purchases. The process involved using tablets and phones pre-loaded with QR codes to generate tickets rapidly.
Print sites included a fishing tourism business in Fort Worth and the headquarters of Lottery.com near Austin, where up to 15 additional lottery terminals were reportedly installed.
"The Biggest Theft": Legal Storm Brews
The lottery win has prompted significant controversy, leading to a lawsuit and two criminal investigations by the Texas Rangers.
Lieutenant-Governor Dan Patrick described the event as "the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas."
Jerry B. Reed, a regular lottery player, filed a lawsuit alleging an "illegal game rigging scheme." The lawsuit claims the syndicate used QR codes "designed to mimic those from the official app" to circumvent manual entry requirements. Lawyers for the syndicate have moved to dismiss the case, stating that "all applicable laws, rules and regulations were followed." Marantelli confirmed the use of QR codes, stating they were generated by "universal software" and read by scanners from any origin.
Texas politicians, including Senator Bob Hall, criticized the Texas Lottery Commission, alleging that rule changes from the mid-2010s violated state law and enabled the bulk purchase. The Commission reportedly approved an unusually large number of terminals for Lottery.com and its related businesses, which were not traditional brick-and-mortar stores open to the public. Marantelli stated he witnessed lottery and game provider officials installing terminals at the Spicewood location, suggesting the Commission was aware of the operation.
Gary Grief, the head of the Texas Lottery Commission at the time of the purchase, resigned in 2024 and has reportedly gone missing, according to Lieutenant-Governor Patrick. Grief's lawyer has denied any pre-approval or involvement in dishonest schemes.
Syndicate Defends Actions: "Unfair" Allegations
Ranogajec described allegations of theft as "unfair," arguing that the lottery is a state-run product designed to extract money from the Texan people. Marantelli noted that the syndicate's spending across several draws increased the overall jackpot by millions of dollars. Both assert they operated within the established framework provided by the Texas Lottery Commission.
Aftermath: Commission Shut Down, New Rules Emerge
Following the controversy, the Texas Lottery Commission has been shut down, its functions moved to another agency. Additionally, courier apps are now banned, and ticket sales are limited to 100 per transaction.