The New Jersey Lottery announced that Jackpocket has become the first regulated courier service in the state under a 2016 law that authorized third-party companies to register to sell lottery tickets online. Although lottery courier services have been operating in states around the country, New Jersey is the first lottery to formally regulate couriers, providing a safer, more convenient experience for players in the Garden State.

“In New Jersey, 5.5 million adults actively use their smartphones to make daily purchases for everything from food to music. Now online players can use their smartphones to access a more convenient way to participate in the Lottery within state borders,” said James A. Carey, Acting Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery. “Tech savvy adults are will appreciate the consumer protections written into the regulations developed in compliance with this act, which allow for a fun and responsible gaming experience.”

The Lottery Courier Act protects lottery players from unregulated and uncontrolled operators by making it a crime to sell lottery tickets online without being registered. Lottery courier services are permitted to redeem winning lottery tickets less than $600 on behalf of a customer in a manner that is secure and transparent to the customer and are also allowed to charge a fee for their services.

“It’s important to note that courier services will have established fees, but prizes will not be subject to any additional courier charges,” said Carey. “To understand a courier’s fee schedule, visit their website or app for additional information.”

Players can redeem winning tickets of less than $600 directly with a registered courier by receiving a credit to their account, or they can claim their winnings in person. Tickets with prizes of $600 or more will be delivered to a winner for claiming in person per existing rules and regulations.

At this time, four games have been authorized for sale through couriers: Mega Millions, Powerball, CASH4LIFE, and Pick-6. The New Jersey Lottery Executive Director determines the selection of approved games.