DES MOINES — The head of the Iowa Lottery has reiterated to lawmakers that state law prevented the illegal payout of a multimillion-dollar Hot Lotto ticket.
CEO Terry Rich told the House Government Oversight Committee on Thursday that Iowa law includes security measures that allowed officials to refuse to pay the prize.
Prosecutors say Eddie Tipton, who was director of information security for the Multi-State Lottery Association, illegally bought a Hot Lotto ticket in 2010 later worth $14.3 million. He is accused of tampering with lottery equipment and working with others to try to claim the ticket. Tipton has pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled this year.
Some lawmakers asked about security protocols. Rich says more layers have been added, but he reiterated rules were already in place to prevent payouts.