POLK COUNTY – The man who rigged the lottery in several states is going to prison.
Eddie Tipton was emotional in court on Tuesday as he was sentenced in one of the nation’s biggest lottery rigging scandals. Back in June, Tipton pleaded guilty through a multi-state plea agreement.
He admitted to creating software that predicted the winning numbers in lottery drawings in several states. That includes here in Iowa, where he rigged a Hot Lotto game worth around $16 million. Now, the case is finally at an end. Eddie Tipton will be serving up to 25 years for scheming to win millions from lotteries across the country, including the Iowa Lottery.
The court sided with the state, saying it took into account the time-frame of Tipton’s crimes, the number of states affected, as well as Tipton’s tendency to minimize what he had done. Tipton will also have to pay back more than $2 million in restitution. When asked if he had anything to say, Tipton began to tear up in front of family and friends in the courtroom.
“Well I certainly regret my actions. It’s difficult even saying that with all the people that I know behind me that I hurt. And I regret it. I’m sorry,” said Tipton.
This is a case the Iowa Attorney General’s Office has been working on for many years. They say having it finally resolved in Iowa is like closing a chapter in their lives. They’re hoping this serves as a warning to others who might try to rig the system.
“When you’re an insider who abuses your position of trust and privilege, you should expect to see the inside of a jail cell. We’re glad that the court agreed and found it appropriate to send Mr. Tipton to prison,” said Assistant Iowa Attorney General Rob Sand.
The Iowa Lottery says they’re relieved this case is over and that they’ll continue to improve their own security measures. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office says Tipton will likely be in prison in Iowa for three to five years and will serve that sentence and his Wisconsin sentence at the same time.
Tipton’s brother, Tommy Tipton, is also in jail in connection with this case. He pleaded guilty back in June to two charges of conspiracy to commit theft. He was sentenced to 75 days in jail. He’s doing his time in Texas right now.
