TRENTON – The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Cryan, which would prohibit the Division of the State Lottery from selling tickets directly to consumers online without the involvement of a retailer.

In September 2022, a rule was published by the State Lottery Commission allowing the Division of State Lottery to directly sell tickets to consumers in New Jersey through its internet website and mobile applications. Lottery retailers throughout the state have argued this would severely lower foot traffic to their stores and put them in direct competition with the government entity that acts as their supplier.

“This bill would protect the thousands of small businesses in communities across the state that have served as the foundation of our lottery system for decades,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “These business owners have made it clear that the rule is fundamentally unfair and will drive down the daily foot traffic they rely on for additional sales, whether it be a tank of gas or a cup of coffee.”

While the bill, S-2159, would prohibit any entity of the State Lottery Commission from directly selling lottery tickets online, it would not affect the rights of registered courier services from selling lottery tickets via the Internet.