Texas State Lottery Faked Jackpots

Controversy continues to surround the Texas State Lottery, after auditors criticised the management in charge of running the lottery. The most serious failing was that the Executive Director approved jackpot estimates, which were way higher that the actual sales figures were showing. If the jackpot is higher, more people may buy tickets so sales are higher. In the event that someone had won, would the money have come from the lottery’s profits or from the good causes, in this case Education, which the lottery supports? Auditors say that lottery officials continued to hike jackpot estimates from May 2003 and March 2006 despite warnings.

Another failing that auditors noticed was the lack of grievance procedures for employees and no noticeable recording of reasons for dismissal, which may disgruntled employees said, appeared to be random. As a result of the criticisms the Executive Director resigned and his replacement has put in place procedures that the auditors say were lacking. Being a Houston lawyer it is hoped he will be able to restore the public’s confidence in the Texas State lottery.

- 18/7/06