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What TheLotter's New York exit means for players already using the app

Orders will stop soon, refunds are coming, and users must act before spring deadlines hit.

A New York Lottery retailer.
Todd Betzold

TheLotter US has announced it will suspend operations in New York. This move will be felt first by players who have already been using the lottery courier service in the state.

While TheLotter described this decision as part of a bigger effort to streamline operations and focus on growth elsewhere, New York users now face a series of important dates and account changes they'll need to navigate carefully.

When will New York players see these changes?

For New York Lottery players using TheLotter app, the most pressing update is the cutoff date for placing orders. TheLotter's New York platform will stop accepting new orders on January 29, 2026.

After that date, players in New York will no longer be able to purchase lottery tickets through the app in the state.

For any players who have existing orders scheduled for draws taking place after January 29, which include multi-draw packages or subscription-based entries, will automatically be cancelled.

According to TheLotter, those cancelled orders will be fully refunded, meaning players won't lose any money on draws that never take place.

What happens to any existing balances and refunds?

Thinking beyond just these cancelled orders, players are also concerned about any remaining funds they may have in their TheLotter accounts. If you do have money in your account, then you will need to take action.

Registered New York users have already been notified that they may withdraw any remaining balance through April 29, 2026. You will have access to those funds until then, but just not the ability to buy tickets after January 29.

TheLotter emphasized that players who miss that deadline may not automatically be out of luck. According to the company, any users who fail to withdraw their funds in time will still be able to contact customer service for assistance.

However, the timeline places responsibility on players to check balances and make withdrawals sooner rather than later.

Why do players feel the impact first?

While TheLotter is framing the move as a strategic shift, players are the ones experiencing the immediate disruption.

New York happens to be one of the more recent states added to TheLotter's U.S. footprint. The company received a license from the New York Gaming Commission and launched in 2024.

Now, those same users who recently added TheLotter to their lottery ticket-buying routine must adjust quickly. That means either cashing out balances, cancelling any scheduled purchases, and switching back to traditional retail ticket purchases.

For those players who relied on subscriptions or multi-draw convenience, this change could be especially noticeable.

What's next for TheLotter?

While they are shutting down things in New York, TheLotter said they are optimistic about its future in the United States. They will continue to operate in Arizona, Oregon, and Minnesota.

The company said it is focusing on strengthening its presence and preparing for future state launches.

TheLotter also recently rolled out a redesigned website in those states, which features faster performance, a more streamlined purchasing experience, an improved interface, and upgraded personal account tools. However, users in New York will not see those upgrades once operations are suspended.

For those New York players, the key takeaway is timing. Orders stop on January 29, refunds are automatic for canceled draws, and account balances must be withdrawn by April 29.

While TheLotter may be looking ahead to expansion in other states, New York users will feel this change first. They should act early to avoid any last-minute complications.

Enjoy playing the New York Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.

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