A woman who gained media attention earlier this year for winning an $83.5 million lottery ticket is set to receive her full prize amount following a significant legal settlement. Kristen Moriarty, who won her jackpot in February at Winner’s Corner TX LLC in Austin, will take home $45,889,188.92 after resolving a lawsuit with the Texas Lottery Commission over its scratch ticket program.
The settlement, which was finalized to avoid court proceedings, is a result of an agreement coordinated by Texas Assistant Attorney General Joe Nwaokoro and Moriarty’s attorney, Randy Howry. This legal outcome has implications beyond Moriarty’s case; it also comes amid reforms in the lottery system itself. These reforms include the dissolution of the Texas Lottery Commission and the implementation of new rules regarding the approval and operation of lottery games. Starting September 1, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will oversee lottery operations.
Moriarty’s win was scrutinized due to previous controversies involving the use of courier services to purchase lottery tickets. In particular, a separate incident in 2023 raised questions about the legitimacy of certain lottery wins linked to bulk ticket purchases. However, Howry defended Moriarty, asserting that her method of purchasing $20 worth of Lotto Texas tickets was typical and fair.
As she opts for a lump sum payment instead of installment payments, a significant portion of her winnings—approximately 76%—will be deposited into a Trust Account, with the remainder allocated for tax purposes to the IRS. This resolution appears not only to validate Moriarty’s win but also marks a significant moment in the reformation of the Texas Lottery, which aims to ensure greater integrity and regulation moving forward.
This story highlights the complexities within lottery regulations and the importance of fair play, while also offering a glimpse of hope for those participating in the lottery system who wish for transparency and adherence to fair operational practices.