Here are the laws that were likely broken in April 2023.
Analysis
Jilted Lottery Ticket Reseller Sues the Texas Lottery Over Ban
Claims leveled in the suit burn former directors Gary Grief and Ryan Mindell, validating watchdog claims.
Texas Scratch Tickets Have Been Gamed Before, Will it Happen Again?
Why would someone want to buy the last tickets in a soon-to-expire scratch-off lottery game?
How a Perennial Playoff Failure Is Profiting off the Texas Lottery
Are the Cowboys more focused on winning tax-funded contracts than football games?
Analysis: Campaign To Save the Texas Lottery Linked to Gov. Abbott Advisor
Who’s behind Texans for a Stronger Economy, a non-profit that has rushed to the Texas Lottery’s defense?
MOST RECENT
Why Is the Texas Lottery Commission Hiding Details of a $1M Payout?
In 2023, the commission sent $1 million to China; now, it’s hiding the details.
Analysis: Property Tax Rates Drop While Values Surge in Washington County
Increasing appraisals frequently zero out any benefit property owners receive from a decreased or held-in-check rate.
Analysis: State Rep. Mano DeAyala Targets Free Speech in Texas
Texas’ anti-SLAPP law protecting citizens from frivolous lawsuits is under threat.
Analysis: Texas Lottery Vendor IGT Sued Alongside Lottery.com and Former Director
Meanwhile Gov. Greg Abbott passes the money-laundering buck.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Exposes Illicit Lottery Ticket Reseller After $83M Jackpot Win
The Texas Lottery is corrupt.
Analysis: Jeff Davis County Lowers Tax Rates Across the Board
Taxing entities in the stargazing county lowered rates from 2019 to 2022.
Analysis: Texas Senators Drop a Neutron Bomb on the Texas Lottery Commission
The Texas Lottery appears to have taken part in a money laundering operation, but Executive Director Ryan Mindell doesn’t seem to care.
Analysis: The $1M Lottery Jackpot Texas Sent to China
Texas is the Wild West of lottery ticket printing and payouts under Gary Grief and Ryan Mindell.
Analysis: Victoria County Residents Face Varied Outcomes in Recent Property Tax Shifts
Two outliers stick out in a county with relatively steady taxation over three years.
Betting Beyond Borders: Lottery.com To Sell Texas Lottery Tickets in Europe and Africa?
A company with a history of selling tickets abroad announces a renewed international push.
ARCHIVE
Analysis: Upshur County Kept Taxes Flat Over 3-Year Window
The county of penny tax increases.
DOJ and Austin Real Estate Developer Reach Plea Agreement
The case linked to Ken Paxton’s impeachment ends with a whimper.
Analysis: Report Exposes Rogue Texas Lottery Commission Leadership
A full criminal investigation of the Texas Lottery is needed.
Analysis: Shackelford County Property Taxes Are a Bright Spot Thanks to Moran ISD
Most of Shackelford County’s tax entities have lowered rates, easing the property tax burden for residents.
A Year of Controversy and Scrutiny for the Texas Lottery
The Texas Lottery Commission’s latest scandals include rigged jackpots, online ticket sales, and questionable foreign ties.
2024 Analysis: A Rough Year for Casino Gambling Interests in Texas
Pro-gambling efforts in Texas have faltered as key lawmakers lost primary elections.
Analysis: On Average, San Augustine Taxing Entities Lower Taxes
For the most part, one East Texas county balanced rising property values with efforts to keep taxes predictable.
Sabine County Tax Trends: Rising Appraisals Drive Increased Revenues
Even if tax rates are kept in check, rising appraisals can eat up any savings citizens would otherwise see.
Analysis: Chinese Casino Operator Sands Has Plans to Invade Texas
The battle for the Texas House speakership is now intertwined with the Chinese Communist Party.
Analysis: Dustin Burrows Headed Toward ‘Most Reviled Republican in Texas’ Status
He’s toxic now, but that toxicity will only grow.