TRENTON, N.J. – Earlier this week, the New Jersey State Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee voted 5-0 (with 2 abstentions) in favor of a bill allowing the operation of lottery courier services, which could deliver tickets to customers at home.

"Ticket delivery will make lottery products more accessible for players who are homebound or find it inconvenient to get to a retailer," the bill's sponsor, Assemblyman John Burzichelli, said in a statement. "This bill is aimed at saving players time and broadening a customer base that provides revenue for services that benefit all New Jersey residents."

Current New Jersey law does not address the delivery of lottery tickets, so the proposed bill would clarify policies. Under the bill, courier services would have to register with and get authorization from the state Lottery Commission before delivering tickets. The courier services would be able to collect a fee and redeem tickets for customers, but they would not be able to claim a portion of any winnings. The services would also be able to store lottery tickets that customers purchase in a database instead of physically delivering them.

The committee’s two Republicans abstained from voting, citing concerns based on information they had received shortly before the vote, broaching concerns that could not be addressed in time. Committee approval is the first legislative step for the bill, which must still pass the full state Assembly and state Senate, and be signed by Gov. Chris Christie.