New Jersey Lottery unveils 18 dogs for Jersey Dog scratch-off

The new jersey lottery unveiled 18 dogs selected for its first canine scratch-off ticket at Columbus Park on Tuesday. The winning pets will appear on the Jersey Dog scratch-off ticket, which goes on sale statewide May 4.

Columbus Park Winners

The contest drew thousands of entries from pet owners across New Jersey before a statewide public vote narrowed the field to a Top 50. From that group, the lottery chose 18 dogs to serve as the contest’s top winners and to appear on the front of the ticket design.

This is the first time the public has helped shape a New Jersey Lottery scratch-off ticket, and the first time real dogs will be the featured stars on one. The Jersey Dog ticket will include 50 dogs in total, with the 18 winners highlighted up front.

Alicia Marino In Roselle Park

Alicia Marino, a dog owner from Roselle Park, said the event felt like Christmas. She said students and staff at Roosevelt Park High School rallied behind her dog and voted repeatedly during the contest.

“When the kids found out, they went crazy,” Marino said. “Once they got involved, I knew we had a real chance.”

Jersey Dog Launch

Julia Paster said she learned her dog had been selected through an email. “I got an email and I freaked out I immediately called my family and I was like oh my god jersey, one it was literally the best day of my life,” she said.

For players who buy the ticket on May 4, the result of the public vote will be visible on the game itself: 18 dogs on the front, 50 dogs in all, and a statewide release tied to a contest that began with thousands of submissions.