In 2014, the Texas Lottery launched a new scratch-off game called Fun 5’s. With colorful tickets and seemingly straightforward rules, it gained tremendous popularity. However, beneath the surface, legal battles would erupt that continue to have echoes today.
The Core of the Controversy
Fun 5’s tickets presented players with a grid of numbers. Matching certain patterns triggered winning amounts. Confusion soon arose:
- Ambiguous Wording: Ticket instructions and marketing gave some the impression that any four matching numbers won a fixed prize.
- The Reality: Specific number combinations and locations on the ticket grid determined whether you were actually a winner.
- Aggrieved Players: Many scratched tickets that seemed to meet the advertised condition yet received no payout. These frustrated players felt misled.
Lawsuits Against GTECH
GTECH Corporation (now part of IGT Global Solutions) supplied the Texas Lottery with games and technology. Lawsuits focused on whether GTECH:
- Intentionally misrepresented the game: Plaintiffs wanted to prove GTECH knowingly designed a confusing ticket to boost sales.
- Breached its contract with the Texas Lottery: Arguments centered on whether GTECH had an obligation to ensure clear game rules for the public.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation (if available) | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Class Action Suits Filed | Various | Travis County, Texas | Multiple lawsuits consolidated seeking class action status |
| 2015 | Texas Lottery Suspends Game | N/A | Administrative Decision | Lottery suspends Fun 5’s sales amidst growing controversy |
| 2016 | Lawsuits Continue | Various | Travis County, Texas | Plaintiffs fight to maintain class certification, GTECH resists |
| TBD | Potential Individual Outcomes | Varies | Varies | Some cases may settle on an individual basis outside major rulings |
Outcomes and Broader Impacts
- No Sweeping Class Action Payout: Courts didn’t certify a class action suit encompassing all Fun 5 players. Therefore, no uniform compensation occurred.
- Individual Resolution Likely: Players seeking recompense probably needed individual lawsuits or settlements, making recovery more difficult.
- Increased Scrutiny: Controversy damaged the reputation of the lottery and GTECH. Texas faced criticism over game oversight.
- Cautionary Tale for Players: Highlighted the need to critically examine scratch-off rules, not merely rely on surface marketing.
The Current Situation
Though years have passed, some questions linger:
- Unresolved Cases: It’s possible cases stemming from Fun 5’s still exist for a small number of individuals.
- Lack of Precedent: The absence of a landmark legal decision with payouts leaves questions of liability unclear in similar future disputes.
What Lottery Players Can Do
- Read Carefully: Never assume that surface level advertising fully informs a lottery game’s win conditions. Read all fine print for detailed rules.
- Preserve Tickets: If you believe there’s been an error, keep the ticket in question and any additional materials as evidence.
- Seek Advice: Consulting an attorney who specializes in consumer protection can help you understand your options if there’s a clear dispute.
