In April 2023, the Texas Lottery faced an unprecedented scandal when two foreign nationals orchestrated a scheme that exploited legal loopholes to secure a $95 million jackpot. This event has since prompted widespread investigations and discussions about the integrity and future of lottery systems in Texas and beyond.
The operation was led by Zeljko Ranogajec, an Australian professional gambler known as “The Joker,” and Bernard Marantelli, a London-based bookmaker. Together, they devised a plan to purchase nearly every possible number combination for the Lotto Texas game. Utilizing over 100 ticket-printing terminals across various Texas locations, they managed to print approximately 25.8 million tickets within a three-day span, covering 99.3% of all possible combinations.
To facilitate this massive ticket purchase, the duo collaborated with Lottery.com, a third-party ticket reseller. This partnership allowed them to efficiently process and manage the vast number of tickets needed for their strategy. The tickets were printed at Texas warehouses and distributed accordingly. Their meticulous planning paid off when one of their combinations hit the jackpot, securing them the $95 million
The revelation of this scheme sparked outrage among the public and lawmakers. Critics argued that while the operation was technically legal under existing Texas lottery rules, it undermined the spirit of fair play and disadvantaged ordinary players. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick initiated formal investigations into the incident. The Texas Rangers and the Attorney General’s office were tasked with examining the loopholes that allowed such an exploit to occur.
Further scrutiny revealed that the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) may have been aware of the operation. Evidence suggested that lottery officials facilitated the scheme by providing additional lottery terminals and resources, raising questions about the Commission’s role in the scandal.
The scandal had a ripple effect on subsequent lottery winners. In February 2025, a woman who legally purchased a winning ticket worth $83.5 million through the Jackpocket app faced delays in receiving her prize. The TLC withheld her payout, citing concerns over the legitimacy of third-party courier services, despite previously accepting such purchases.
This incident, among others, led to a loss of public trust in the lottery system. Lawmakers proposed legislation to ban online and app-based lottery ticket sales, aiming to prevent similar exploits in the future. Some even called for the complete overhaul or discontinuation of the Texas Lottery to restore integrity and fairness.
The Texas Lottery scandal orchestrated by Zeljko Ranogajec and Bernard Marantelli exposed significant vulnerabilities in the lottery system. Their ability to legally manipulate the system for substantial gain highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight. As investigations continue and reforms are considered, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in public gaming institutions.
