It looks like the strong economy had added to the State of New Jersey's revenues in another way. Last year New Jersey Lottery ticket sales reached a record high $3.35 Billion in sales. Most of that money came from scratch off ticket purchases. Out of that $3.35 Billion almost $2 Billion was returned in prize money. The private management company that operates the lottery billed New Jersey $137 Million. Almost $1 Billion went into New Jersey's retirement pension fund. Which only left about $53 Million for the state treasury. When the lottery first started 50 years ago the money was supposed to go for education. Which in turn would keep property taxes in check. I guess that concept went out the window a while ago.
Source: NJ.COM