NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Lottery officials approved a plan to sell tickets online, saying it’s time to appeal to a younger generation. But lawmakers on both sides want to block it.
Sales would be allowed online and through an app run by the state. Officials at the New Jersey Lottery Commission say they have carefully considered this idea for several years and decided it’s important to long-term viability.
Democratic State Senator Vin Gopal says going online would put the state in direct competition with brick-and-mortar stores, often family-owned small businesses.
“Very concerned and frustrated by this and hope that the legislature will reverse course,” Gopal said, “and I also think what they’re doing is illegal.”
Gopal also says this could trickle down and impact the state’s sales tax revenue, so there needs to be a robust discussion on this plan. He hopes others join him in blocking it.
Republican Senator Declan O'Scanlon says there was no discussion or debate before the plan was approved by what he calls unelected bureaucrats.
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“So that’s my problem, and that should worry those of us who care.”
Lottery officials acknowledge the importance of retail lottery sales and say it will always be a component.
New rules would take effect next year. Both senators say this will likely be addressed when the legislature returns to Trenton.
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