Two major lottery drawings in Texas that put nearly $180 million in the pockets of winning ticket holders have set off widening state investigations over concern that ticket sellers and buyers may have exploited the rules.

The investigation into two controversial lottery jackpots in Texas had drummed up questions about the role of online ticketing firms known as lottery couriers in the state – and nationwide.

The Texas Lottery winnings being questioned have centered on the idea of bulk purchases of tickets through courier services.

Two of the biggest lottery jackpots in Texas history are under widening investigations over claims that the winners may have benefitted from more than good luck.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to investigate two controversial lottery jackpots amid growing scrutiny over the role of online ticketing firms in the state.

Lawmakers and state authorities are scrutinizing the Texas Lottery after online ticketing systems may have given an unfair advantage to winners of two multimillion-dollar jackpots. Why it matters: Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday opened an investigation into two "suspicious and possibly unlawful" lotto wins by third-party courier services.

The Texas Rangers are now investigating two big lottery jackpots. The winning tickets were purchased through a third-party service that players can use to purchase tickets online. Eric Dexheimer, an investigative reporter with the Houston Chronicle,