NJGCA Expresses Concern with the New Jersey Lottery’s Decision to Sell Tickets Online

New Jersey (August 18, 2023) — The New Jersey Lottery’s decision to sell lottery tickets online directly to customers through its website and mobile app has sparked concerns from the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA), which represents gas stations and convenience stores. The NJGCA fears that this move could lead to a decrease in foot traffic and sales at brick-and-mortar stores.

Eric Blomgren, the NJGCA Chief Administrator and Director of Government Affairs, expressed concerns that customers who would have otherwise purchased tickets from neighborhood stores might now opt for the convenience of online purchasing. This could include both occasional players trying their luck on jackpots and regular players who may switch to making some of their purchases online.

However, the New Jersey Lottery counters these concerns by pointing to experiences in other states where online ticket sales were introduced. According to the lottery’s statement, these states saw an increase in sales at both online platforms and traditional retailers. The lottery argues that the introduction of online sales appeals to a younger generation of players, primarily those under the age of 40, who are more accustomed to online interactions. The lottery sees these younger players as crucial for the long-term success of the lottery.

The key point of contention here revolves around the potential impact of online sales on the brick-and-mortar stores that currently sell lottery tickets. The New Jersey Lottery believes that online sales could complement traditional retail efforts and bring in new, younger players. On the other hand, the NJGCA is concerned that the convenience of online purchasing might lead to reduced foot traffic and sales for their member stores.

Ultimately, the impact of this decision will likely depend on a variety of factors, including the behavior of players, the user-friendliness of the online platform, and the effectiveness of marketing efforts to attract the next generation of lottery players. The situation will likely become clearer once the online sales system is implemented and has been in operation for some time.