News writer
Indiana is on the verge of prohibiting lottery courier services, following in Texas' footsteps. The ban awaits only Governor Mike Braun's signature to become law.
What are lottery couriers?
Lottery couriers are services that purchase tickets on behalf of players, allowing customers to participate in lottery games online. These companies typically charge a fee but provide convenience for those unable to visit a physical lottery retailer.
The courier model has sparked controversy, with critics comparing it to unlicensed online gambling. Others worry about lottery integrity, as wealthy organizations could make mass purchases to increase winning chances. This concern materialized when a European consortium once bought all available tickets for a drawing, securing a $95 million jackpot.
Indiana's legislative action
Senate Bill 94 has advanced through Indiana's legislature, explicitly targeting lottery couriers. This follows a previously unsuccessful attempt to introduce iGaming and iLottery regulations.
The bill prohibits for-profit businesses from buying or facilitating lottery ticket purchases for customers. Violations would constitute a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, SB 94 prevents the Indiana Gaming Commission from operating or authorizing any digital gaming services and strengthens lottery controls to safeguard state lottery integrity.
This permanent ban reflects Indiana's strict approach to gaming formats that are not explicitly permitted in its regulatory framework. The bill has moved quickly through legislative channels and now awaits the governor's review and signature.
A growing regulatory trend
Indiana isn't pioneering this crackdown. Texas regulators previously declared lottery couriers illegal, leading to complications in a recent $83.5 million jackpot payout. The investigation delayed payment to an independent winner who claimed she had no connection to courier services making bulk purchases.
New Jersey, Arizona, and Connecticut have also taken steps to either prohibit or regulate lottery courier operations.
Texas takes action
The Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) recently held a public comment meeting about proposed rule changes that would effectively ban lottery couriers in the state. While the TLC cannot directly regulate couriers, it can discipline retailers who violate regulations. The proposed amendment would revoke licenses from any Texas retailer continuing to work with courier companies.
Though couriers seem beneficial in theory, many operate in regulatory gray areas. Online gaming, including lottery participation, is illegal in Texas, and several irregular jackpot wins through couriers have intensified scrutiny.
At the TLC hearing, Paul Hardin, president of the Texas Food and Fuel Association, represented approximately 16,500 convenience stores and gas stations, accounting for about two-thirds of Texas lottery ticket sales.
The hearing followed the controversy surrounding a European group's $95 million Lotto Texas win in 2023, when nearly 26 million tickets were purchased for a single drawing. Another more recent jackpot winner has been informed she might not receive her winnings due to ongoing investigations.
As states like Indiana and Texas tighten regulations, the future of lottery courier services remains uncertain across the country.
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