TEXAS, USA — Lottery app Jackpocket confirmed it’s suspending operations in Texas after the Texas Lottery Commission moved to ban third-party courier services in the state and amid investigations into two major lottery drawings.
Third-party “lottery couriers”, like Jackpocket, are services that allow people to buy state lottery tickets online and have a courier buy the ticket for them in person. Lottery couriers have been operating in Texas since 2016, but the practice has come under scrutiny and been criticized by state officials recently, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, among others.
The Texas Lottery Commission this week announced third-party courier services can’t operate under state law after officials came under scrutiny over an $83.5 million lottery ticket bought via Jackpocket.
Jackpocket is a subsidiary of the online sports gambling company Draftkings. Jackpocket said in a statement to WFAA that it’s operated in Texas since 2019, but is suspending operations in Texas after the move to ban lottery couriers.
“Despite our proven track record of compliance and commitment to responsible gaming, the Texas Lottery Commission has issued a new policy prohibiting our services, effective immediately. As a result, we are suspending lottery courier operations in Texas,” a Draftkings spokesperson said in a statement. “We remain dedicated to working with policymakers to ensure access to secure lottery options and working with the Texas Lottery Commission to craft regulations that would allow lottery courier services to continue in Texas.”
Also Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to investigate the $83.5 million jackpot and a 2023 $95 million lottery win that involved buying tickets in bulk as Texas lawmakers questioned the Texas Lottery Commission.
During questioning, the lawmakers alleged potential corruption and demanded overhaul.
“Texans must be able to trust in our state’s lottery system and know that the lottery is conducted with integrity and lawfully,” Abbott previously said in a statement.