Major Lottery Wins and Controversy

The biggest recent drama surrounds the Texas Lottery:

The Big Scandal: An international professional gambling syndicate, reportedly led by “The Joker” Zeljko Ranogajec and Bernard Marantelli, won a massive $95 million jackpot in 2023 by using courier services and multiple ticket-printing terminals to buy nearly all possible number combinations. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called it “the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the state’s history.”
The Fallout: This scheme led to multiple investigations by the Texas Rangers and the Attorney General’s office. The executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) resigned in April 2025, and lawmakers ultimately voted to abolish the TLC in June 2025.
Payout Delays: In a separate incident, the TLC initially refused to pay a Houston-area woman, Kristen Moriarty, her $83.5 million jackpot because her ticket was purchased through a now-controversial online courier service. She sued and an agreement was reached in August 2025 to pay her the lump sum.

A Powerball jackpot climbed to $719 million for a late-November drawing.
A Kentucky hunter won a $1.1 million lottery jackpot while visiting his deer stand.
An Arizona player won a $12.8 million jackpot from “The Pick” just before the holidays.
A Montgomery County, Maryland woman won a $57,486 FAST PLAY progressive jackpot on a coffee run, playing on her son’s recommendation.

🎰 Casino and Gaming Industry News

Maverick Gaming Bankruptcy: Maverick Gaming, a Washington-based casino operator with five casinos in Nevada, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025. The restructuring is centered on the parent company’s finances, and the Nevada casino properties continue to operate as normal.
Baha Mar Resolution: China Construction America (the general contractor for the Bahamas’ Baha Mar casino resort) and the project’s original owner reached a comprehensive settlement over a $1.6 billion legal dispute.
Skill Games in Pennsylvania: The legality of “skill games”—slot-like devices that proponents argue include elements of skill—is being reviewed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Casinos argue they are illegal gambling, while proponents are pushing for their regulation and taxation.

Bally’s Expansion: Bally’s Corporation’s acquisition of a gaming company was completed in February 2025. The company also agreed to invest in and take a controlling interest in Star Entertainment Group, an Australian casino company, marking their first land-based casinos outside the US.
UK Gambling Industry: The UK gambling industry generated a significant £16.8 billion in the fiscal year 2025, driven by a 13.1% increase in online gambling. There is ongoing discussion and potential legislation around a higher, unified gambling tax in the upcoming 2025 Budget.
Online Casino Jackpot: A DraftKings Casino player won a record $22.4 million jackpot off a 20-cent bet.

Poker Assault: There was drama at a Florida poker table when poker pro Maurice Hawkins was assaulted during a Thanksgiving game.
Sports Betting Lawsuits: The prediction markets platform Kalshi is facing a class-action lawsuit over alleged unlicensed sports betting.
Missouri Sports Betting: The state of Missouri is still navigating the rollout of online sports betting, with news of the Kansas City Royals seeking a new partner after one operator’s withdrawal.