Forward-thinking companies Jackpocket.com and Lotto.com are expanding, bringing lottery courier services to other states like Massachusetts. They enable people who cannot physically buy lottery tickets for Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as state lotteries, to order tickets online. Lotto.com, in particular, is trying to catch up to Jackpocket.com in terms of state offerings.

The landscape of lottery gaming in the United States is undergoing a transformation as online lottery couriers expand their operations. These pioneering companies have created a new lottery sector by offering their services in states where tickets are not available for purchase online. The convenience of purchasing lottery tickets from home has rapidly gained popularity, with two major players, Jackpocket.com and Lotto.com, leading the way. Their services now extend to more states, including Massachusetts, with new product offerings that cater to an expanding customer base.

Lotto and Jackpocket go head to head

Recently, Lotto.com, a company founded in 2018, announced its official launch in Massachusetts, marking its 11th state of operation. The company is now offering its services in states such as New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, Arkansas, Oregon, Minnesota, New York, Nebraska, Texas, and Ohio. The latest addition to its portfolio, Massachusetts, brings Lotto.com's services to one of the richest lottery states in the nation. Massachusetts ranks fifth in lottery sales, generating over $6.1 billion in revenue in 2023, despite being the 16th most populated state.

At 9am on Thursday, Lotto.com began offering its services in Massachusetts, joining its competitor Jackpocket.com, which has been operational in the state for some time. Massachusetts residents aged 18 and older can now conveniently purchase lottery tickets, including for popular games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Mass Cash, Megabucks, The Numbers Game, and Lucky for Life. For the first time in the state, players can purchase Massachusetts Lottery scratch-off tickets online through Lotto.com's courier service.

Lottery couriers changing the game

Lottery courier services have revolutionized the lottery industry by addressing a common complaint from players: the need to visit physical retailers to purchase tickets. In an increasingly digital world, the demand for online lottery access has only grown stronger. Jackpocket.com, founded in 2013 and recently acquired by DraftKings, has been at the forefront of this shift. With operations in 19 states, including New York, Florida, and Massachusetts, Jackpocket.com has paved the way for millions of lottery players to purchase tickets without leaving their homes.

Although many states operate lotteries, online sales remain prohibited in some to protect the interests of brick-and-mortar retailers. These retailers benefit from in-store ticket sales, which often encourage additional purchases. However, proponents of online lottery sales argue that allowing internet purchases can increase overall lottery revenue and benefit the programs these lotteries fund.

Online courier services like Lotto.com and Jackpocket.com offer an alternative to traditional lottery retail by allowing players to purchase tickets through mobile apps or websites. Once a ticket is ordered, the courier service purchases the physical ticket from a licensed retailer on behalf of the player. Players receive a high-resolution digital receipt showing the numbers played, and the physical ticket is additionally secured in a locked, fireproof vault. For winnings, small prizes are automatically credited to the player's online account, while larger winnings require the player to claim their prize in person, with the ticket delivered to them by the courier service.

Massachusetts entry marks new milestone for Lotto

Lotto.com's entry into Massachusetts is a significant milestone for the company as it continues to chase its rival, Jackpocket, in terms of market reach. While Jackpocket is live in more states, Lotto's focus on offering scratch-off tickets gives it a unique edge in Massachusetts, where scratchers are extremely popular. The addition of scratch-off tickets to Lotto's service lineup could potentially drive more users to the platform, increasing its market share in the Bay State.

The Massachusetts Lottery's approval of online courier services signals a growing acceptance of digital lottery sales, especially as they provide a solution for individuals who may be unable or unwilling to visit physical retailers. Seniors, people with disabilities, and others who prefer to avoid in-person transactions can now easily participate in the lottery from the comfort of their homes.

Convenience at a small cost

While online lottery courier services offer undeniable convenience, they do come with associated fees. These services typically charge a fee of 15% to 25% on each ticket order, in addition to a 10% to 25% fee on deposits. However, no commissions are charged on account withdrawals or winnings. Despite the fees, many players see value in the service, as it eliminates the risk of losing a ticket or having it damaged by spills, weather, or other unforeseen events.