LottoGopher shuts down Florida operation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- LottoGopher.com, an online Powerball ticket brokerage, has shut down its Florida operation after the state's attorney general sued its parent company.

Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a lawsuit Friday against the California-based LottoGopher's parent company, Engage BDR, asking a Leon County judge to ban the site from operating in Florida, The Miami Herald reported.

Bondi demanded full restitution for all subscriber fees the site has collected.

She said LottoGopher violated a Florida law governing how lottery tickets are distributed. Under the law, it is a misdemeanor to induce others to assign or transfer their right to claim a prize or to mention the Florida Lottery without authorization.

LottoGopher had been doing both until it shut down during the weekend, the Herald said.

"The company is violating state law and creating confusion among our players," Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O'Connell said. "No one is permitted to charge a fee to redeem a player's winning ticket, yet that is what this company does. A Florida Lottery player should never be asked to pay for something they already receive free of charge."

The site allowed Florida Powerball players to buy tickets for the multi-state drawing online and with a credit card, and the state has a ban on both.

A message for LottoGopher general counsel Danielle P. Barger was not immediately returned Monday, the Herald said.