Buying lottery tickets in Nebraska could soon get much faster

The Nebraska Lottery could soon be joining 43 other states in allowing lottery tickets to be sold through vending machines. A bill advancing in the Nebraska Legislature, LB60, would allow for the sale of scratch-off tickets at vending kiosks, giving players a faster, more convenient way to purchase their tickets.

Bill passes first round in Nebraska Legislature

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the bill was put to the test. It faced its first round of voting in the Nebraska Legislature. The proposal was approved by senators in a 32-10 vote.

If LB60 is passed fully intact, it would modernize lottery sales in the state. Nebraska is the only state besides South Carolina that currently prohibits vending machine ticket sales.

Convenience meets security

For those supporters of LB60, they say the change could help boost ticket sales for the state lottery while still maintaining safeguards against underage play. Sen. Dan Quick, who is the sponsor of the bill, emphasized that all of these lottery vending machines would require valid Nebraska driver's licenses to make a purchase. Quick told Nebraska Public Media:

When you come in to purchase a ticket, you have to use your valid Nebraska driver's license. It scans the barcode in the back, and then it verifies your age. If you're not of age, it's not going to allow you to purchase a lottery ticket.

People are worried about minors being able to buy lottery tickets through these vending machines. However, supporters of the bill say this built-in age verification addresses those concerns while also allowing players to buy tickets quickly and without having to wait in line at a retailer.

What is the potential impact on players and retailers?

Bringing lottery vending machines into Nebraska could benefit both the player and the lottery retailer.

For lottery players, it's all about not having to wait in line for a clerk. These vending machines could make the buying experience faster and more efficient.

For lottery retailers, having the vending machines in their stores could help them sell more tickets. This could be true during busy hours, as people can hop on the vending machine and make a quick purchase instead of waiting in line. Also, it could encourage participation in the state lottery, as people see this cool vending machine, and it makes them want to buy a ticket.

Currently, sales of Nebraska Lottery tickets are limited to in-person purchases at lottery retailers. Sen. Quick said this slows down and decreases sales compared to other states that allow vending machine sales.

Debate and concerns

While many senators supported the bill (32-10 vote on the bill for approval), some did voice their concerns about gambling and the impact it would have on low-income players. Sen. Rob Clements voted against the bill, criticizing gambling as a potential financial burden.

Clements stated:

I personally had a loan customer who was unable to make his car payment…he said, 'Well, I had $50 that I was going to bring you toward the payment, but instead I bought lottery tickets with it.' Well, I never heard from him again.

Despite these concerns, proponents argued that technology and responsible play rules would limit risks while also modernizing the lottery experience for Nebraska players.

What's next for the bill

Now that LB60 has passed the first round of approvals, it moves through additional legislative steps before it becomes law.

If the bill is fully passed, Nebraska Lottery players could soon purchase scratch-off tickets from vending machines. This move could lead to higher participation and a smoother experience for both players and retailers, while also having the age verification technology in place to ensure compliance with state laws.

Enjoy playing the Nebraska Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.