Nebraska is starting the new fiscal year with several new laws and fees now taking effect, including a change that will allow lottery tickets to be sold through vending machines.
The measure was introduced during the last legislative session by State Sen. Dan Quick, who represents Legislative District 35, including part of Hall County and the city of Grand Island.
Supporters said the change brings Nebraska more in line with most other lottery states. During a debate earlier this year, Quick said Nebraska and South Carolina were the only two states with lotteries that did not allow ticket sales through vending machines.
A key question during the debate centered on age verification. In Nebraska, lottery players must be at least 19 years old. Quick said the machines will use technology to confirm a buyer’s age before a purchase is allowed.
Under the system described during debate, customers would scan a valid Nebraska driver’s license. The machine would read the barcode on the back of the license and verify the person’s age. If the buyer is not old enough, the machine will not complete the sale.
The proposal ultimately passed with broad support from state lawmakers.
However, some senators raised concerns about expanding access to lottery purchases. Sen. Rob Clements, who represents Cass County and areas near Lincoln, argued during debate that gambling can create financial hardship, especially for lower-income residents.
Clements shared the story of a former loan customer who, he said, used money intended for a car payment to buy lottery tickets instead, hoping a jackpot would help pay off the full loan.
Despite those concerns, the law is now in effect, clearing the way for Nebraska lottery tickets to be sold through vending machines.