No, Jackpocket is not currently legal in Texas. While Jackpocket had operated in Texas as a lottery courier service (allowing users to order lottery tickets via an app), a policy change by the Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) on February 24, 2025 forced Jackpocket to suspend operations in the state. Until Texas establishes a new legal framework for lottery courier services, Texans cannot legally use Jackpocket in their state.
What Jackpocket Does
Jackpocket is a mobile app that allows users to purchase lottery tickets via their phones through courier services. The user orders a ticket online, a courier purchases a physical ticket at a licensed retailer, and then the ticket is stored or scanned for the user. The service charges a fee for convenience and avoids in-store visits.
Why Jackpocket’s Status Changed in Texas
Original Status in Texas
Jackpocket began offering courier services in Texas around 2019. It had partnered with licensed retailers and operated under guidance from the TLC.
Policy Change in 2025
On February 24, 2025, the Texas Lottery Commission adopted a new policy banning third-party courier services from selling lottery tickets on behalf of users. The next day Jackpocket announced the suspension of its operations in Texas.
Implications
- Texans who had used Jackpocket can still claim any winning tickets purchased earlier.
- New ticket purchases via Jackpocket are no longer accepted in Texas.
- Jackpocket and similar services are effectively barred unless the law changes.
Legal Framework and Key Points
Lottery Law in Texas
The Texas Lottery is regulated through state law. Only licensed lottery retailers may sell tickets in person. Courier services like Jackpocket existed in a grey area: they relied on a licensed retailer buying the ticket, but the user ordered online. The TLC concluded that courier sales fall outside their regulatory authority.
The “Legal But Not Licensed” Quirk
Although some sources list Texas as a “legal state” for Jackpocket, that list is outdated—or reflects past operations prior to the February 2025 change. For example, one site still lists Texas under “Jackpocket legal states.”
Pending Legislation
There are bills proposed in Texas to clarify or ban courier services entirely. For now, Texas does not have authorized courier licensing for lottery ticket apps, meaning Jackpocket’s legal pathway is blocked.
What This Means for Users in Texas
- If you already purchased a ticket via Jackpocket before the suspension, you remain eligible to claim prizes.
- If you are a Texas resident now, you cannot use Jackpocket to buy new tickets.
- If you attempt to use similar courier services, you risk having your purchase voided or winnings withheld.
- Only traveling to or living in states where Jackpocket is licensed allows legitimate use of the app.
Final Note
Despite having operated previously, the Texas Lottery Commission’s February 24, 2025 policy change prohibits third-party lottery courier services like Jackpocket from operating. Existing tickets bought through Jackpocket before the suspension may still win prizes, but new use by Texas residents is not permitted.
