The beginning of a new fiscal year often brings a slew of legislative changes, and this year is no exception. Among these changes is a new law that aligns Nebraska with most U.S. states by permitting the purchase of lottery tickets through vending machines.
Nebraska’s Legislative Shift
This change was spearheaded by Sen. Dan Quick, a representative of Hall County and the city of Grand Island in Legislative District 35, during the last legislative session. Highlighting the disparity, Quick noted in January that Nebraska and South Carolina were the only states among the 45 with lotteries that restricted the sale of tickets through vending machines.
Ensuring Age Verification
A significant concern addressed during the bill’s debate was the verification of a purchaser’s age to ensure compliance with the legal age requirement of 19 years. Quick explained that this process relies on technology. “When you come in to purchase a ticket, you have to use your valid Nebraska driver’s license. It scans the barcode in the back, and then it verifies your age. If you’re not of age, it’s not going to allow you to purchase a lottery ticket,” Quick explained.
Debate and Concerns
While the bill garnered substantial support in the legislature, there were notable objections. Sen. Rob Clements, who represents Cass County and areas near Lincoln, voiced concerns about gambling being a financial burden on low-income individuals. Clements shared, “I personally had a loan customer who was unable to make his car payment. (He) came into my office and he had $150 car payments — all it was. He said, ‘Well, I had $50 that I was going to bring you toward the payment, but instead I bought lottery tickets with it, and if I win the lottery, then I’m going to pay the whole car loan off.’ Well, I never heard from him again,” during the legislative discussions.
