Indiana Moves to Ban Online Lottery Couriers

The landscape of online lottery services in Indiana is on the brink of a seismic shift. Senate Bill 94 is poised to outlaw online lottery courier platforms, marking a turning point for digital lottery operations in the state. With companies like Jackpocket and theLotter in the crosshairs, the legislation reaffirms Indiana’s commitment to controlling gambling distribution tightly. All eyes now turn to Governor Mike Braun, whose signature would turn this bold legislative stance into law by July 1.

Indiana Declares War on Online Lottery Couriers: Governor’s Signature is the Final Step

Key Points:

1. SB 94 bans all unlicensed lottery courier services without a pathway for future licensing.
2. The bill reinforces Indiana’s historically conservative approach to online gambling expansion.
3. If signed, it will make operating a lottery courier service a Class A misdemeanor in Indiana.

Indiana is poised to enforce one of the nation’s most aggressive crackdowns on online lottery courier services. Senate Bill 94 (SB 94), which recently passed both chambers of the General Assembly, now only requires Governor Mike Braun’s signature to become law.

If enacted, this legislation will introduce a sweeping ban on lottery courier services that operate without explicit authorization. These services — such as Jackpocket, theLotter, and Jackpot — facilitate the purchase and delivery of lottery tickets to consumers for a fee. Under SB 94, such operations would become a Class A misdemeanor.

What sets this bill apart is its deliberate omission of a licensing framework. SB 94 does not allow the Indiana Lottery Commission to authorize or regulate these services in any way. By design, this shuts the door on digital lottery couriers — both now and in the foreseeable future.

The legislation’s reach goes beyond courier services. It also prevents the Indiana Gaming Commission from launching or partnering in any digital gaming initiatives, including online casinos, poker, video lottery terminals, or scratch-off games. Essentially, Indiana is codifying its opposition to the digitization of gambling.

This move comes on the heels of a failed effort earlier in the year to legalize online casinos and lotteries. Legislators have made it clear they want to preserve the physical integrity of lottery games. For instance, any lottery drawing must be public and overseen by a certified public accountant. Furthermore, sensitive operational records like ticket inventories and order logs are now deemed confidential.

SB 94 is part of a larger national conversation about the legality and regulation of online lottery services. States like New Jersey and Texas have adopted varying approaches — some embracing regulation, others leaning toward prohibition. Indiana’s stance, however, leaves no room for ambiguity. It is a hard “no” to digital middlemen in the lottery system.

The bill’s passage indicates strong bipartisan support for maintaining traditional lottery sales methods. Lawmakers argue that unregulated courier services pose a threat to the security and transparency of the state’s gambling ecosystem.

Critics, however, worry that Indiana is lagging behind in embracing technological advancements that make lotteries more accessible and modern. In many states, courier services have successfully partnered with lottery commissions to boost participation while adhering to strict guidelines.

But Indiana’s leaders appear unmoved. Their priority remains keeping gambling controlled, accountable, and — above all — offline. For courier companies, this development is a major blow. Without a legal pathway to enter the Indiana market, these platforms will be forced to cease operations entirely or risk criminal charges.

If Governor Braun signs SB 94 into law, the ban will take effect on July 1. Any changes to this new regime would require future legislative action — a tall order given the state’s entrenched stance on gambling reform.

Indiana’s move to ban online lottery couriers is more than a policy decision — it’s a statement. With SB 94, the state signals that convenience will not trump control. By rejecting digital lottery platforms, Indiana reinforces its identity as a state that views gambling through a cautious, tightly regulated lens. The fate of the bill now rests with Governor Braun — and with it, the future of digital lottery access in the Hoosier State.