■ NJ Lottery
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As the state geared up for the 50th anniversary of the lottery , Carey , who took over as executive director in 2018 , said there were many events planned for the celebration . Unfortunately , the pandemic sidelined most of them . Even the annual Million Dollar Replay — which brings throngs to Asbury Park for a chance to enter their non-winning scratch-off tickets in a new jackpot — was converted to a Facebook virtual event . The enthusiasm was not lost , however , with more than 16,000 reactions , according to Carey , who had been Gov . Jon Corzine ’ s director of the authorities ’ unit , which oversees the Casino Control Commission . Carey had a long career in the Attorney General ’ s Office . But he likes to jokes that his entry into gaming came in the 80s when he was a groundskeeper at Monmouth Park .
Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic , the Lottery and its sales and marketing partner , Northstar , rolled out big changes and innovations . The Jersey Cash 5 jackpot was increased from $ 75,000 to a guaranteed $ 100,000 . Players saw the odds increase slightly in the revamped game . Still , Carey said there have been nine jackpots of more than $ 1 million since the change and the game ’ s popularity continues to grow . More games were added to Fast Play too , including a progressive jackpot , he also noted .
On the lottery ’ s backend there were updates too . Players no longer needs pencil because they can save ePlayslips on the official New Jersey Lottery mobile apps for Quick Draw and
The variety of lottery games and easy access to ticket purchases make the lottery an entertaining gaming option to all players .
CASH POP games . The scanning tool was improved and there are new features in the VIP Club . One of the most significant changes was the timing for the game drawings . There ’ s still a 12:58 p . m . drawing for Pick 3 and Pick 4 . But the evening drawing was pushed from 7:57 p . m . to 10:57 p . m . It allows more time to play – plus there ’ s now a new way to check winnings because the drawings are being livestreamed . “ The internet streaming allows you to watch it anywhere , on your phone , on your computer . It ’ s a change that brings us up with the times ,”
Carey said .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto ePlayslips , the official New Jersey mobile app gives players to enjoy the lottery despite limitations imposed by COVID-19
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto
The annual Million Dollar Replay in Asbury Park gives players a second chance at a new jackpot .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto