Republican Budget Committee members Senator Steve Oroho and Senator Declan O’Scanlon issued the following joint statement in support of New Jersey retail licensed lottery agents after it was announced that the Lottery Commission was considering approving a questionable proposal that would authorize online sales of lottery tickets:

Sen. Steve Oroho and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon issued a joint statement in support of NJ retail licensed lottery agents after it was announced that the Lottery Commission was considering approving the online sales of lottery tickets. (Pixabay)

“We believe that the Division of Lottery is misinterpreting state law and does not have the authority to authorize online lottery sales. The Division should not make this short-sighted decision because they would be negatively impacting small businesses all throughout New Jersey. Online lottery sales could significantly reduce licensed retailer’s revenues and put their small businesses in direct competition with the State. Authorizing online sales of lottery tickets pose additional financial concerns that will deprive convenient stores of necessary revenue from ancillary sales. Not to mention, online sales of lottery tickets increase the likelihood that underaged individuals will find a way to make these purchases. We’ll be monitoring the Division’s decision very closely tomorrow and are prepared to introduce a legislative remedy if this proposal is approved. We must protect small businesses and consumers.”

The Division of Lottery is currently partnered with nearly 7,000 retailers throughout the state to supply these small businesses with lottery tickets. The proposed regulations would enable the State to sell lottery tickets directly to consumers through the internet.

Under the State Lottery Act and The Courier Services Act, the senators argued that the Division of Lottery would be going beyond the law should they approve the proposed regulations.