SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE, No. 2631

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  AUGUST 20, 2020

 

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2631.

     This bill permits the conduct of bingos and raffles remotely. The bill directs the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to adopt regulations permitting the conduct of raffles remotely using communication technology, to the extent its use is not inconsistent with the New Jersey Constitution. The control commission must approve the technology prior to use by an eligible organization. A licensee conducting a raffle remotely is required to verify that the physical location of each participant, irrespective of the location of any server or intermediate routing of electronic data, is within a municipality that has authorized the conduct of bingos and raffles. The bill deems the location of the person conducting the game to be the licensed premises. The bill is not applicable to raffles conducted at large sporting venues.

     Under current law, eligible organizations include veterans organizations or associations, churches or religious congregations and organizations, charitable, educational and fraternal organizations, civic and service clubs, senior citizen associations and clubs, and volunteer fire companies, first aid, and rescue squads.