Oregon Lottery Proposes Ban on Cross-Border Ticket Sales, Tightens Courier Rules
The Oregon Lottery is cracking down on lottery couriers with proposed rules that would block ticket sales across state lines and slap strict requirements on services like Jackpocket and Lotto.com. Unveiled ahead of a July 25, 2025, commission meeting, the changes aim to clean up a regulatory gray area and protect the lottery’s integrity amid growing concerns about out-of-state and international ticket purchases.
No More Border-Hopping Tickets
The centerpiece of the proposal is a ban on retailers working with couriers who sell Oregon lottery tickets outside the state or internationally.
This targets services that have operated without clear oversight, raising legal and integrity issues flagged by U.S. and global lottery bodies.
The rules also mandate that in-state couriers meet tough new standards, including detailed record-keeping and secure ticket storage, though the lottery noted reputable couriers may already comply with similar rules elsewhere.
Oregon’s acting after watching other states like California, Texas, and Indiana wrestle with courier issues. Texas banned couriers outright in April after fraud allegations, while Arizona and New Jersey opted for tight regulations.
“The lack of clear rules creates significant risk to our constitutional duty to maintain honesty and integrity,” an Oregon Lottery spokesperson said.
International sales, in particular, could violate foreign laws, prompting urgency to act. The lottery also faces pressure from industry groups and media highlighting these gaps.
Financial Hit and Compliance Costs
Banning cross-border sales could dent Oregon Lottery’s revenue by $32.6 million to $54.9 million in fiscal 2026, cutting $11.1 million to $18.7 million from Economic Development Fund transfers, less than 1% of the 2025-2027 budget.
Retailers and couriers will face new costs for reporting and administrative tasks to meet the rules. The lottery argues these steps are worth it to safeguard public trust and ensure compliance.
The Oregon State Lottery Commission will discuss the rules on July 25, with a virtual hearing set for August 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Public comments are welcome until August 29 at 5:00 PM.
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