‘The Joker’ Confirms Bankrolling Rigged Lotto Texas Jackpot

Australian professional gambler Zeljko Ranogajec, known as “The Joker,” has publicly confirmed he financed and orchestrated the 2023 rigging of a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot. In an investigative report published March 16, 2026, Ranogajec detailed how his syndicate spent nearly $26 million to purchase every one of the 25.8 million possible number combinations for the April 22, 2023, draw, generating an estimated $20 million net profit after receiving a $57.8 million payout check issued to the entity Rook TX.

The operation, coordinated by associate Bernard Marantelli with a team of about 30 people, involved buying millions of tickets over 72 hours at four licensed Texas retailers. It followed unusual sales spikes and second-tier prize claims in prior draws. Ranogajec stated that the scheme operated with the “full support” of the Texas Lottery Commission, which allegedly supplied additional official terminals, pallets of paper, and on-site assistance from officials and an IGT technician—actions that reportedly violated standard rules but had received prior approval.

This confirmation revives scrutiny over state lottery security and oversight. Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to investigate in 2023, citing integrity concerns, while Attorney General Ken Paxton opened a parallel probe into potential rigging by non-U.S. citizens. Both investigations remain active as of March 2026, with no charges filed against participants and no public findings released. The scandal contributed to significant fallout for the Texas Lottery Commission, including its eventual dissolution amid ongoing probes.

Key Takeaways

• Syndicate covered all combinations for a guaranteed win, turning a $26 million investment into a $20 million profit after taxes.
• Alleged facilitation by regulators included extra terminals and procedural leniency, raising questions about internal controls.
• Texas Rangers and Attorney General investigations continue more than two years later, with no updates or prosecutions reported.

The case exposes vulnerabilities in paper-based, retailer-driven draw games that allow bulk purchasing and insider coordination. Professional syndicates have long exploited similar mechanics in other jurisdictions, but the scale here—enabled by state resources—highlights risks to public trust and operator integrity. Industry observers note that such incidents accelerate calls for stricter terminal limits, real-time sales monitoring, and transitions to fully digital platforms with randomized number generation and audit trails.

No new charges or official statements from current regulators accompanied the March 16 disclosure. Ranogajec and key partners, including silent investor David Walsh, reported no contact from investigators. The revelations come amid broader industry efforts to modernize security following high-profile exploits elsewhere.

The confirmation by the operation’s primary funder provides the clearest firsthand account to date, reinforcing the need for transparent oversight in multi-million-dollar draw games.

Sources https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/lottery-scheme-joker-bankrolled-jackpot-21960000.php (published March 16, 2026)