Jackpocket Review (2026): Is Buying Lottery Tickets Through an App Worth the Fee?
On This Page
- Jackpocket in One Minute
- How It Works
- What the Fee Really Costs
- The Texas Ban
- The Odds
- Safety Features
- Before You Play
- Alternatives to Consider
- Is Jackpocket Legit?
- Pros and Cons
- Who It Suits
- Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026
- Other Reviews Readers Compare
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Verdict on Jackpocket
Jackpocket in One Minute
Jackpocket is a lottery courier app founded in 2013 in New York City and bought by DraftKings in 2024 in a deal reported at $750 million. You order official state lottery tickets in the app; a courier buys them from a licensed retailer and uploads a scan to your account. It charges a service fee, reported in New York at 9.9% of the amount you fund plus 29 cents. It operates only in states that allow couriers.
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Based in | New York City |
| Owner | DraftKings (since 2024) |
| Fee | About 9.9% plus $0.29 in New York (reported) |
| Games | Powerball, Mega Millions, state games |
| Minimum age | 18 (21 in Arizona) |
How It Works
- Create an account and verify your identity and location.
- Fund your account, paying the service fee.
- Pick games and numbers or choose quick picks.
- A courier buys the ticket from a licensed retailer.
- Small prizes go to your account; large prizes are claimed in person.
What the Fee Really Costs
A roughly 10% fee on top of tickets that already return less than they cost makes the math worse. On $100 of tickets, you'd pay about $10 extra in fees. You can avoid the fee by buying tickets yourself at a store.
The Texas Ban
In 2025 Texas cracked down on couriers. The Texas Lottery Commission banned courier sales in April 2025, and the Legislature then passed SB 3070, which prohibits buying or facilitating lottery play by phone, website or app and requires in-person purchases at licensed retailers, according to the Texas SB 3070 bill analysis. The bill also moved the lottery to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation from September 1, 2025.
The Odds
| Game | Jackpot odds |
|---|---|
| Powerball | 1 in 292.2 million |
| Mega Millions | About 1 in 290 million |
No app changes the odds. The chance of winning a Powerball jackpot is the same whether you buy in a store or through Jackpocket.
Safety Features
Jackpocket offers deposit limits and self-exclusion tools and requires you to be physically located in a supported state. If lottery play stops being fun, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-522-4700 (call or text), and most courier apps offer deposit limits and self-exclusion.
Before You Play
- Check that couriers are legal in your state.
- Note the service fee before funding.
- Set a monthly limit you won't exceed.
- Treat tickets as entertainment spending.
- Never chase losses.
Alternatives to Consider
The lottery is entertainment, not income: the expected value of a ticket is less than its price. If you want money that can grow, a small online business built with free tools like Systeme.io is a far better bet.
Is Jackpocket Legit?
Yes. It's an established courier owned by DraftKings, operating in states that allow couriers. Its fees add to the cost of already poor-odds tickets.
Pros and Cons
What Stands Out
- Convenient official tickets
- Owned by a large public company
- Scanned tickets and limits
What to Weigh Up
- About 10% service fee (reported)
- Not available in every state
- Banned in Texas
Who It Suits
Adults who play the lottery occasionally for fun and value convenience over cost.
Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026
If Jackpocket isn't the right fit for you, here's what we suggest instead.
After comparing hundreds of programs over the years, we know what works and what doesn't. In fact, most of the business opportunities are either instant cash grab schemes or scams or they require experience. However, this beginner-friendly system stood out and is our #1 recommendation for 2026.
Other Reviews Readers Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Owns Jackpocket?
DraftKings, since 2024.
How Much Is the Jackpocket Fee?
About 9.9% plus $0.29 in New York, as reported; it varies by state.
Is Jackpocket Legal in Texas?
No, Texas banned courier sales in 2025.
How Are Big Prizes Paid?
Large prizes are claimed in person.
Our Verdict on Jackpocket
A legitimate app with a real cost. Play for fun, set limits, and skip it if you're hoping for income.
Looking for a Better Starting Point Than Jackpocket?
Consider our #1 recommendation for making money online in 2026.