Allows for licensed organizations to conduct raffles remotely and to advertise such raffles; removes maximum value limitations for prizes; allows remote raffles on Sundays; requires quarterly reporting of raffle results.
Assembly Bill 5219 would modernize New Jersey’s charitable raffle laws by authorizing licensed nonprofit and civic organizations to conduct raffles remotely over the Internet, subject to regulations adopted by the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission in consultation with the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The bill treats the location of the approved operator as the licensed premises for purposes of the remote raffle, and it also directs the commission to establish rules for statewide advertising of these remote raffles. In addition, it allows organizations to run multiple, consecutive, or simultaneous remote raffles and permits remote raffles on Sundays, which current law generally prohibits.
The bill also removes the existing cap on the value of raffle prizes, replacing the current prize-limit framework with no statutory maximum for prizes awarded in raffles conducted under the charitable gaming law. For remote raffles, the bill requires winners to be determined and prizes awarded within 365 days of the first day tickets or participation rights are offered, with clear disclosure of that deadline to participants. It also requires winning ticket numbers to be posted online for one year or until claimed, and it provides that certain time-sensitive prizes, such as event tickets, are forfeited if not claimed within 72 hours of the event.
A5219 would further impose new reporting obligations on organizations conducting remote raffles. On a quarterly basis, they would have to submit verified statements to the commission detailing gross receipts, expenses, net proceeds, uses of proceeds, and prizes offered or awarded, along with supporting records. These provisions would expand state oversight of charitable gaming while creating a new regulatory structure for internet-based raffle activity.
The bill’s apparent policy goal is to give licensed charitable organizations more flexibility to raise funds through modern online raffle formats while preserving regulatory supervision. Because there is no committee transcript or recorded vote history provided, there is no documented public debate in the materials about the bill’s reception. Based on the text alone, the measure appears to be framed as an expansion of fundraising tools for eligible organizations rather than a restriction on existing activity.
The main points of potential contention are the move to remote and statewide advertising of raffles, the elimination of prize-value limits, and the authorization of Sunday gaming activity, all of which may raise concerns about gambling expansion, consumer protection, and enforcement. Supporters would likely emphasize fundraising benefits for charities, veterans’ groups, churches, senior organizations, and volunteer emergency services, while critics may focus on whether the bill broadens gambling too far or weakens traditional limits on charitable gaming.
The bill would amend New Jersey’s charitable games of chance law, P.L.1954, c.5 (C.5:8-50 et seq.), by expressly authorizing remote Internet raffles, statewide advertising of those raffles, Sunday operation, and unlimited raffle prize values. It would also require new commission regulations within 180 days and impose quarterly reporting and recordkeeping duties on licensed organizations conducting remote raffles. The affected parties are licensed veterans’ groups, churches, charities, fraternal organizations, civic clubs, senior citizen associations, volunteer fire companies, and volunteer first aid or rescue squads, as well as the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement.
No committee transcripts or votes were provided, so there is no recorded legislative debate or roll-call evidence in the materials. From the bill text and sponsor statement, the measure appears generally favorable to charitable organizations seeking more flexible fundraising methods, with the policy emphasis on modernization and expanded access. At the same time, the provisions expanding remote play, advertising, Sunday raffles, and prize values suggest the bill could draw caution from those concerned about gambling expansion and regulatory oversight.
The most notable areas of contention are the authorization of remote raffles over the Internet, statewide advertising of those raffles, the removal of all prize-value limits, and the allowance of Sunday raffles. Supporters are likely to be charitable and nonprofit organizations that would benefit from broader fundraising options, while potential opponents may include those concerned about increased gambling activity, the adequacy of consumer safeguards, and whether the state should loosen longstanding restrictions on charitable gaming. The new quarterly reporting and commission approval requirements appear designed to address oversight concerns, but the bill still represents a significant expansion of permitted raffle activity.