The head of the Texas Lottery Commission told lawmakers Wednesday that the public was deceived by recently inflated jackpot estimates.
Commission Chairman Thomas Clowe vowed that the agency will take action to correct the situation.
Lotto Texas sales have suffered in recent months as the Mega Millions multi-state game drew more players to higher paying jackpots.
Lottery officials admitted Friday that they knew ticket sales would not cover an advertised $8 million Lotto Texas jackpot this month, saying they used the higher number to keep players interested in the game.
The Texas Lottery Commission set an estimated jackpot for the June 8 Lotto Texas drawing even though staff reports estimated sales could only cover $6.5 million, Product Manager Robert Tirloni told commissioners Friday.
The commission held the estimated jackpot at $8 million for the June 11 drawing, marking the first time in the game’s history that a jackpot hasn’t increased after a drawing in which there were no jackpot winners.
