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Bill would allow age-restricted lottery vending machines; retailers and lottery director weigh benefits and risks
Summary
LB 60 would permit Nebraska lottery tickets to be sold from vending machines with age verification (driver's license barcode). Retailers and beneficiary groups supported the change for convenience and sales; opponents raised concerns about underage access, placement, and consumer protections.
Sen. Dan Quick (District 35) introduced LB 60 to the General Affairs Committee, proposing a change to the State Lottery Act to allow lottery vending machines in Nebraska stores and other retail locations.
Supporters — including grocery owners, the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, the Nebraska Retail Federation, convenience-store groups and the Nebraska State Fair Board — told the committee vending machines would relieve staffing burdens, reduce long waits at service counters and likely increase sales and beneficiary proceeds. Nathan Bertek, a Norfolk grocery owner and lottery retailer, said machines automatically scan a driver's license barcode to verify age and can provide bilingual interfaces for customers.
The Department of Revenue's director of the Nebraska Lottery, Brian Rockey, testified in a neutral capacity and described…
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