Bill > SB708

This bill authorizes the Director of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency to issue licenses to individuals or entities to operate as "courier services," which is defined as the process of delivering a lottery ticket to a purchaser through the online account of a licensed courier. These licensed couriers can establish online systems allowing people to purchase lottery tickets via the internet and can contract with licensed lottery sales agents to fulfill these orders. Importantly, any agreements between a licensed courier and a lottery sales agent will not be subject to public disclosure under the Public Information Act, though they must be disclosed to the Agency. Licensed couriers will be permitted to charge customers a service fee as a percentage of the deposited amount, provided the fee is clearly displayed, the customer affirmatively accepts it before completion, and no other fees are charged for using the service; however, they are prohibited from taking a portion of a customer's lottery winnings. Licensed couriers must maintain a website with problem gambling assistance information, safeguard customer data, verify customer identity, age, and location within the state, securely store purchased tickets and customer information, provide electronic copies of tickets, require in-person prize claims for winnings over $600, and notify customers of winning tickets within 24 hours of a drawing. The Director can also adopt regulations to further implement these provisions, including limiting terminals and establishing qualification standards for couriers and their employees.