Time is running out to buy Mega Millions tickets for the $1.1 billion jackpot. So many gamblers are rerouting themselves to iLotteries and apps like Jackpocket to pick their numbers for the Aug. 1 drawing.
Most lottery game ticket purchasers will still head to retail locations tonight before the Mega Millions drawing at 11 p.m.
However, it’s becoming more popular to use online resources like the lottery ticket courier’s site. That’s especially the case when a considerable jackpot captivates public interest.
For instance, Ohians’ ticket orders increased 168% over last month, Jackpocket CEO and Founder Peter Sullivan told Bonus today.
He detailed a few more month-over-month increases for Bonus today:
- Arizona sales were up 128%
- Texans ordered 121% more tickets
- New Jersey saw purchases rise 88%
- New Yorkers bought 82% more tickets
Sullivan told Bonus today:
We’ve seen historic jackpot levels for both Powerball and Mega Millions this year. We can anticipate that with some of the changes in drawing frequency and innovators in the space, like Jackpocket, impactful moments for the industry will continue to arise.
Lottery Ticket Couriers Don’t Replace Lotteries
The increases for the company founded in 2013 in New York are happening despite the Empire State instituting a new advertising policy for lottery ticket couriers.
In February, the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) voted on new language for the companies. It means they can no longer tell lottery ticket purchasers that they can “play” the lottery on the apps. Commission members emphasized that sites like Jackpocket are intermediaries who still have to buy the lottery tickets.
However, only about a dozen jurisdictions offer iLotteries.
That’s why lottery ticket courier apps are flourishing. They offer online services when states don’t have them.
Jackpocket’s available in 17 jurisdictions. That oddly includes the District of Columbia, even though there’s a DC iLottery.
iLotteries Are Popular Where They’re Available
iLotteries gained traction during the pandemic shutdowns.
So the few states that offer online lottery tickets saw increases then.
For instance, iLottery sales in Michigan rose 88% during the year-over-year period ending in September 2020. So during the height of the pandemic, the Michigan Lottery experienced an 8% bump in sales. In total, lottery ticket sales reached $4.2 billion.
Meanwhile, Sullivan told Bonus today:
Jackpocket had its best month ever this July with monthly ticket orders 10% higher than the last record in November 2022 ([when there was a] $1.9 billion Powerball [jackpot]).
Jackpocket has now surpassed $1 Billion in ticket orders fulfilled to-date.
Jackpocket competitor Lotto.com didn’t return a request for comment from Bonus.