A group of gamblers bought 25.8 million lottery tickets covering all combinations in the Texas Lotto, aiming for profits when jackpots soared. When the jackpot reached $95 million, their scheme yielded $57.8 million in profit post-tax. Legal concerns emerged after a separate winning ticket was denied payout due to new restrictions on app-based ticket purchases. The group’s audacious approach, led by Bernard Marantelli and financed by Zeljko Ranogajec, raised questions about lottery regulations and fairness, prompting the Texas Lottery Commission to review existing policies.
The scheme sounds so much like a heist movie it could be a parody, down to the man allegedly behind it being known as 'The Joker'.
Nothing in the Texas state lottery code says a person can't buy every number combination, although since the win - which resulted in a lump-sum profit of $57.8 million before taxes - much is now under review.
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