Content writer
Today, the popular third-party lottery app Jackpocket suspended operations in Texas in the wake of an announcement that could gut lottery courier services in the state.
Through its app, where users can buy lotto tickets across the country, Jackpocket announced to Texas users:
Gameplay is currently suspended, and you are unable to place a new order for tickets. An update will be provided shortly.
Tickets that were purchased prior to the announcement will be honored.
Courier service ban
Jackpocket’s suspension comes a day after the Texas Lottery Commission announced that lottery ticket courier services are not allowed under state law. A proposed rule amendment could ban these services in the state.
The amendments to ban courier services will be proposed to the Texas Lottery Commission board on March 4.
Courier services like Jackpocket allow users to buy lottery tickets online through an app. The service purchases physical tickets from retail outlets on behalf of users, keeping digital records so players don’t have to leave their couch.
A one-stop shop
Suspicions fell on an $83.5 million winning ticket in Austin on February 17. The state’s Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he launched an investigation into the win, alleging that not only was the winning ticket purchased through a courier service online but that the same service owned the store that printed the ticket, creating an unregulated insular system. Patrick did not name the courier service.
Until the suspension, Jackpocket offered Powerball, Mega Millions, state lottery, and scratch-off tickets in Texas. Jackpocket is still available in 18 states and Puerto Rico.
Will other courier services follow suit?
Other courier services available in Texas include theLotter, Jackpot.com, Mido Lotto, and Lotto.com. TheLotter told Lottery USA that they are not currently planning any changes in service at the moment.
Lotto.com told Lottery USA:
Lotto.com echoes the sentiment recently shared by the Coalition of Texas Lottery Couriers. We maintain that lottery couriers have operated legally in Texas since 2019, and we are disappointed by the sudden announcement issued by the Lottery yesterday. Lotto.com will continue advocating for a regulatory solution to ensure millions of Texans can safely and conveniently order lottery tickets.
As of press time, other courier services have not responded to inquiries.
The lingering lawsuit
The Texas Lottery Commission has been busy this month. The campaign against courier services came days after a lawsuit was filed against the Texas Lottery Commission. The class action suit is centered around an April 2023 $95 million state lotto win, and it alleges that commission leaders engaged in criminal behavior, including money laundering, child labor, and the manipulation of lottery outcomes.
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