This bill authorizes the conduct of Queen of Hearts raffle games by eligible organizations in New Jersey. The Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission is tasked with adopting regulations to govern these games, which involve a raffle board containing 54 facedown playing cards. Participants holding winning raffle tickets drawn at random will select cards in search of the Queen of Hearts. If the selected card is not the Queen of Hearts, the participant will receive a cash prize based on a predetermined schedule. The raffle will continue weekly until the Queen of Hearts is selected, at which point the winner will receive 50 percent of the total prize, with the remaining amount retained by the licensee.
The bill specifies that eligible organizations, such as veterans' associations, religious congregations, and charitable groups, may apply for a license to conduct these games, aligning with existing regulations under the Raffles Licensing Law. The introduction of Queen of Hearts raffle games expands the types of raffles that can be conducted, providing additional fundraising opportunities for these organizations. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.