Accused Texas Lottery Director Missing

April 4, 2025 – Reports have surfaced suggesting that Gary Grief, the longtime former executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, is missing, though his attorney insists he has not “fled.” Grief, who retired abruptly in February 2024 after 14 years as executive director, has recently been under intense scrutiny following revelations that he authorized illicit lottery resellers to operate in Texas.

His tenure at the commission has been marred by controversy, particularly an investigation that uncovered a foreign gambling syndicate manipulating the lottery system, ultimately walking away with a $95 million jackpot. Some Texas legislators have even described the situation as akin to “money laundering.” Additionally, the Texas Rangers have been investigating Grief’s role in the illegal online lottery sales, which have also been the subject of legislative action in the Senate.

Despite reports from state sources claiming authorities have been unable to locate Grief, his legal team is pushing back. While one of his attorneys declined to comment, another later stated that Grief was “at home,” disputing the claim that he had disappeared. However, independent verification of his whereabouts remains elusive.

As investigations into the Texas Lottery Commission continue, Grief’s apparent absence only adds to the intrigue surrounding one of the biggest scandals in Texas’ gambling history.