We are currently preparing for the likely shutdown of state government tonight at midnight due to the failure of the Legislature and the Governor to agree on a budget for the next fiscal year, which begins at midnight. If a budget does not pass, the government does not have money to spend on “non-essential” services, and this includes the Lottery Commission.

Although yesterday was the last voting session scheduled in Trenton, the Legislature has been called back into an emergency session this afternoon to try to work out a compromise with the Governor. If the budget fails to pass and the government shuts down, you will be officially informed and notified by the message system from NJ Lottery.  You must continue to monitor this regularly! If lottery shuts down, you will receive an official notification after midnight. REMEMBER, this is not definite yet, but it is likely to happen and you need to be prepared:
 
What happens if Lottery shuts down at midnight tonight?
 

• Drawings for draw games will still go off as scheduled, even if government shuts down, and customers will be able to purchase draw tickets up until midnight TONIGHT.
  • You will not be able to make ANY SALES of draw games through your lottery terminal after a government shutdown.

• You WILL be able to sell any scratch-off games that you already have in stock, even after government shuts down at Midnight.
  • You WILL NOT be able to purchase any scratch off games from Lottery until the system is reopened.

 

• You WILL be able to pay out any winning tickets up to the maximum of $600.
  • Any winnings greater than $600 are required to be paid directly from New Jersey Lottery and since Lottery will be shut down those winnings will not be paid until Lottery is reopened

 
We want to emphasize that at this time a shutdown is not definite but looking more likely. There is a possibility that in the event of a shutdown, Governor Christie will sign an executive order that keeps Lottery open. (The State of NJ loses about $12 million a day in Lottery revenues if there is a shutdown).

We've been in touch with lottery officials trying to put those pieces in place all day today and will continue to do so. As I said before, Lottery will communicate an official shutdown tonight through their message system if it indeed happens. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to NJGCA at 732-256-9646.