RIGGED: Ex-lottery worker who picked WINNING numbers in 4 states gets 25 years in prison

A former lottery computer programmer who admitted to rigging computers to enable him to pick winning numbers and cheat four states, including Wisconsin, out of $2.2 million in several lottery games over six years was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison in Iowa on Tuesday.

“I regret my actions, and I’m sorry for the people I hurt,” said Eddie Tipton, 54, the former information technology manager for the Multi-State Lottery Association, a central Iowa organization that provides number-picking computers for lotteries in 33 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tipton’s voice quivered when asked by Judge Brad McCall to speak during the sentencing hearing. After McCall issued the sentence, Tipton was handcuffed and taken away by sheriff’s deputies.

Under Iowa law, Tipton is likely to serve far less than 25 years — probably between three and five years, said Iowa Assistant Attorney General Rob Sand, who prosecuted the case. The Iowa Board of Parole will ultimately determine how long he’s behind bars.

“I think when you’re an insider who abuses your position of trust and privilege you should expect to see the inside of a jail cell,” Sand said.

Tipton’s attorney asked McCall to give Tipton probation in Iowa, arguing his client was unfairly being treated far more harshly than other people involved in the scheme.

As part of his plea deal, Tipton also admitted to committing theft by fraud and a computer crime in Wisconsin, where he’ll be sentenced Sept. 18. The agreement allows him to serve his Wisconsin sentence — likely to be three to four years — at the same time he serves the Iowa prison sentence.

SPONSOR: Become INVISIBLE on the internet for less than $3.33