Chris Christie Vetoes Two NJ Lottery-Related Measures

Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed legislation that would have required legislative approval for any contract allowing a private company to operate the New Jersey lottery.

The administration announced last month it would award a 15-year contract to operate the lottery's sales and marketing functions to a joint venture called Northstar New Jersey, the only company to bid for the contract. In his veto message, Christie said the bill's sponsors "misunderstand" the goal of the contract.

Christie announced his decision Monday, the same day he conditionally vetoed a measure that would have allowed lottery winners to stay anonymous for up to one year.

The governor said allowing anonymity could hamper the lottery's marketing efforts, so he recommended a seven-month study into the effects of offering such anonymity.

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