California Lottery warns against illegal online ticket couriers, risks retailer contracts

SACRAMENTO, Calif (FOX26) — If you order from California Lottery online, you’re going to want to think twice.

The California Lottery is sending information out to its more than 23,000 retail partners about the dangers of selling to online lottery couriers, which are businesses that offer California Lottery ticket ordering via websites or mobile apps.

Within the information, the California Lottery warns that any retail partner knowingly engaging in ticket sales to online lottery couriers, their employees, agents, and/or contractors may be subject to the termination of their retailer contract.

“Online lottery ticket courier services are illegal in California, we are thankful for the support of our retail partners in helping our customers play safely, rather than exchanging money with a third-party, unregulated business. Any California Lottery player who buys their games through an online courier is not eligible to win,” said Carolyn Becker, California Lottery spokesperson.

Because these services are illegal, the California Lottery is prohibited from knowingly paying a prize on any ticket acquired through a digital service, and no retailer bonuses would be paid if the winning ticket was sold online.