Courier services being available in Florida will have to wait a little longer.
Earlier this week, theLotter announced it had gone live in Florida, becoming the first and only lottery courier to do so.
However, theLotter had to change course on Thursday, pausing operations.
The courier informed PlayiLottery that this was due to the need to adjust operational methods to meet the requirements of the Florida Lottery.
Florida is not among the states with online lotteries, but theLotter would have brought third-party online sales of lotto tickets to the state.
theLotter communicating with Florida Lottery
Originally announcing plans to come to Florida in July, theLotter sent communications to PlayiLottery of its official launch this past Sunday.
On Thursday, PlayiLottery received the following from theLotter over its Florida status:
“Dear guys,
As part of our ongoing communications with the Florida Lottery, we must make some adjustments to our operational methods in the state.
In the meantime, as we prepare these adjustments, we must temporarily pause operations in Florida.
We are working diligently to address all issues so that they will be resolved in the next few weeks.
Of course, we will update you as soon as possible regarding any changes.
Thank you for your understanding and continued cooperation.”
theLotter says it’s not affiliated with state lottery
Florida had not had a courier operating in its territory prior to theLotter.
Many states have different approaches to the matter.
States like Texas and New Jersey have welcomed multiple couriers as a way to increase sales.
Others have been more strict about keeping these third-party sellers out of their states. California has said it won’t pay out a prize if it has knowledge that the ticket was purchased through a courier service.
Even Texas legislators are directing the Texas Lottery to be more stringent in its approach to the services.
When it comes to Florida, theLotter states on its website that it has the legal authority to operate in the Sunshine State:
“theLotter FL has been validated by a legal opinion stating that we comply with the rules of both Florida state and federal laws. You can rest assured that the lottery tickets you order with us are purchased at a licensed Florida Lottery retailer.”
When it comes to addressing if theLotter works with the Florida Lottery, it mentions the following on its website:
“We operate as an independent, authorized online lottery ticket courier service in Florida that is not affiliated with the Florida Lottery, or any other official lottery organization. We fulfill your ticket order with official Florida Lottery tickets from licensed Florida Lottery retailers and all prizes are paid by the Florida Lottery.”
The Florida Lottery does have policies against using credit cards to purchase tickets. State law allows for purchases with a credit card as long as the tickets cost less than $20.
Customers are able to use cards to make purchases with theLotter, as it accepts all major credit card brands.
While that may not be one of the issues holding up theLotter from operating in Florida, it’s a topic brought up in Texas. Legislators note you can’t use a credit card to purchase lottery tickets, but couriers are using a loophole to allow those transactions.
Florida Lottery sales down in FY24
The Florida Lottery is looking for ways to boost sales after it announced a decline in fiscal year 2024.
The state recorded $9.42 billion in sales last year, down 3.9% from the $9.80 billion it did in FY23.
While scratch sales were down 6%, draw games are projected to drop in the coming years.
Florida had $750.9 million in draw sales last year, but the state is projecting just $500 million in the years ahead.
Courier sales would provide a new avenue for customers to purchase Florida Lottery tickets. It could also bring in a customer who doesn’t play the lottery otherwise.
Time will tell if Florida and theLotter are able to work out the issues in order for the courier to be operational again.
Photo by Alexander Lukatskiy via Shutterstock
Graphic from theLotter
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