News writer
Thanks to a new promotion, lucky New Jersey dog parents can see their beloved pups featured on scratch-off lottery tickets across the state. Starting today, New Jersey residents may upload a picture of their dog to the “Jersey's Top Dogs” contest and see if their pet has what it takes.
Dog contest rules
The “Jersey's Top Dogs” competition is looking for dogs that “aren't just cute, but also embody the spirit, attitude, or essence of New Jersey,” according to the contest page.
Owners can upload photos of their dogs until August 24. From August 29 through September 12, voters will pick the top dogs online. The winners will be announced on September 26. Friends and family are encouraged to vote. The entries are already pouring in on the website - they're visible on Jersey's Top Dogs website and Instagram.
Entrants must be 18 and over. They must enter their name, address, birthday, and the dog's name. It's suggested that the photo of their dog be head-on, against a plain background.
The 50 dogs with the highest votes will be featured on scratch-off tickets across the state beginning May 26. After a judging process, sixteen of these top dogs will also be chosen for a grand prize based on “Jersey Spirit and Cuteness.” The press release stated:
Dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments are welcome, whether they bring bold Jersey energy, laid-back charm, or irresistible cuteness.
The winners will be notified on September 17.
The contest is kicking off the new scratch-off ticket, Jersey Dog. It's one of several new themed scratch-off games launching in 2026 that is centered around state pride and community in the state, according to the promotion press release.
New Jersey is leaning local
New Jersey doesn't shy away from quirky community promotions. In July, the New Jersey Lottery teamed up with “Jersey Shore” reality star JWoww to promote National Lottery Day.
It's likely that the lottery commission is leaning into more local, state-focused promotions by design.
At the end of the 2025 fiscal year, the state reported that major jackpots - Mega Millions and Powerball - have been flagging in sales, while local games like Jersey Cash 5 have been surging. Scratch-offs in particular made up for $1.8 billion in sales, which is over half of overall lottery revenue in the state. About $1 billion goes to the state pension fund annually, while retailers rake in huge bonuses.
It's not the first time a state has engaged in a voting promotion like this, but capitalizing on people's love for their pets is a particularly smart move. Not only is it fun and engaging for pet owners and their families, but it also attracts dog-lovers to the New Jersey Lottery website, even if they otherwise would never visit. In 2024, it was found that 29.1% of the state population owns dogs, according to World Population Review.
Other new scratch-off games were announced at the end of July, including Wild Side, Neon 9's, and Crossword Xtreme, each featuring hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential prizes. In addition to Jersey Dogs, more new scratch-offs are scheduled for release in 2026.
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