A New Jersey bill that would allow lottery players to submit prize claims online advanced to the next phase of becoming a law on Thursday.
The Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee unanimously voted to refer A3270 to the Appropriations Committee.
New Jersey is to be among the states with online lotteries later this year. That makes this move a logical step to make the platform efficient for customers.
Bill would allow for online submission for $600+ prizes
Assembly Bill 3270 is sponsored by Benjie E. Wimberly (D-District 35).
The bills reads that, if passed, it would direct the NJ State Lottery Commission to permit lottery players to submit and validate claims of $600 or more via the internet, mobile app or other electronic means.
Mobile devices and applications would include cell phones, tablets and any other devices with wireless communication.
Currently, should a player win $600 or more in New Jersey, they have to file a claim form. Those can be picked up at any lottery retailer. Completed forms have to be mailed or delivered to the state lottery headquarters.
The mobile submission form would allow for validation of lottery tickets online as well. Players would have their funds deposited to their online account should they choose so.
Thursday saw all six committee members choose to advance the bill to the Appropriations Committee.
New Jersey iLottery not a sure thing
Back in 2022, a rule was proposed by the NJ Lottery Commission that would allow it to sell tickets to residents through the internet and mobile lottery apps.
The change would just apply to draw games, such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and Jersey Cash 5. Instant games would still only be available through retail vendors.
This adopted proposal was going to see iLottery sales begin in the fall.
However, Assembly Bill 3759 was introduced in February. It called for the lottery commission to be prohibited from online sales. The bill was referred to the Assembly’s State and Local Government Committee, but has not advanced further.
Should the online lottery launch in the state, online forms to claim rewards is an easy addition to include.
Image by Andrii Yalanskyi via Shutterstock and PlayiLottery
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