“In the first month of 2nd Chance games, we have had more than 258,000 entries submitted by 14,225 registrants” said Tom Shaheen, President of the MLC. “Cash 3, offered only in Mississippi, went on sale September 1, 2020, and has been growing in popularity each day. Cash 3 provides players exciting daily draws with multiple varieties to play and win.”
"It's important to note that, if it weren't for our establishments and video lottery terminals in bars having to shut down, and sales at lottery retailers having to be suspended, our financial results would have been at the same level as the previous fiscal year. In addition, thanks to our efficient management, we were once again able to reduce our total expenses, which saw a $14.7 million, or 1.6%, decrease," said Lynne Roiter, President and CEO of Loto-Québec.
Mark Michalko, executive director of the Education Lottery, said Fast Play games will help the lottery continue to increase its sales and raise additional money for education this year. “Fast Play games are fun because on just one ticket you could win a jackpot instantly or other cash prizes,” said Michalko. “These exciting new games will raise additional money for our education programs during a time when they need all the extra support they can get.”
John Schulz, Senior Vice President, Lottery Instant Products for Scientific Games, said, "We are honored that Nederlandse Loterij has entrusted Scientific Games with its instant scratch cards business, and we are committed to using our more than 45 years of experience to continue developing its instant product portfolio to responsibly grow sales and profits."
Asked about what drove the substantial increase in total revenue, lottery Director Eric Hagler said many factors impact lottery sales, but it's impossible to ignore the effects of the covid-19 pandemic. "Entertainment options are limited in the current social environment, and we believe sales of lottery game tickets has been viewed as an enjoyable venue for entertainment," he said in a written statement. "We believe that limited options have, indeed, delivered new players to the lottery platform for entertainment." Hagler, who started as director Aug. 6, said lottery officials also believe compelling and creative marketing has served to continually increase awareness of the wide variety of games offered, as well as educate consumers as to the lottery's mission to provide scholarships to Arkansas students.
“Many people don’t know that the Illinois Lottery helps fund several organizations throughout the year by launching specialty tickets,” Illinois Lottery Acting Director Harold Mays said. “This September, we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois for the first time to help enable the impactful work they do in Alzheimer’s care and awareness.”
"These game names, marking the 12th in our partnership with the New Orleans Saints, truly reflect how we all feel about our team right now," said Lottery President and CEO, Rose Hudson. "The Saints have always had a way of uniting us as Louisianians and that hasn't changed even under these trying circumstances." "With so many changes anticipated for the upcoming season, it's great to know fans can count on the Louisiana Lottery to deliver excitement with Saints team-branded scratch-offs," said New Orleans Saints President Dennis Lauscha.
“We are meeting increased consumer demand for our scratch cards with an expanded game portfolio and aligning with international trends for player self-service solutions in our sales network. This important pilot is off to a strong start, and may guide other German lotteries in their retail modernization plans,” said Dr. Siegfried Bohring, Deputy Managing Director of Sachsenlotto, who also chairs a national instant lotteries group in Germany. “Self-service technology is already modernizing the lottery retail network in the U.S. and in other countries. Scientific Games has led innovation in this area, helping our lottery customers expand retail distribution to drive maximum sales and profits for their good causes,” said Matthias Müller, VP Sales & Marketing for International Lottery Systems at Scientific Games.
“POWERBALL is excited to offer players a new opportunity to win $1 million during America’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration,” said May Scheve Reardon, POWERBALL Product Group Chair and Missouri Lottery Executive Director. “The renewal of this promotion is a fun way for lotteries to continue their vital mission of raising funds for good causes in their respective jurisdictions.” “We’re thrilled to once again partner with POWERBALL to make more dreams come true as audiences gather to bid farewell to 2020 on the top-rated New Year’s Eve broadcast,” said Kevin Patrick Smith, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships, dick clark productions. “It was such a powerful moment last year when we crowned a very deserving ‘POWERBALL First Millionaire of the Year’ winner live on the air, and we cannot wait to help a new winner kick off 2021.”
“We would like to congratulate the Idaho Lottery for achieving an outstanding return to the State of Idaho and its citizens,” said Dr. Chris Dimitriadis, INTRALOT’s Group CEO. “We are grateful to the Lottery for their trust and long-standing partnership and we look forward to continue creating value and driving their growth through our state-of-the-art technology and advanced quality of services.” Byron Boothe, CEO of INTRALOT, Inc. commented: “The Idaho Lottery’s leadership and team’s accomplishments over the years, and especially this year (in returning over $55 million to the state during an unprecedented pandemic) are not only industry leading but frankly they are stellar. INTRALOT looks forward to our continued partnership and assisting in generating revenue for the great State of Idaho. Congratulations to our partners, the Idaho Lottery team.”
“I want to thank all of our employees who work hard every day to make sure our Lottery operates with the highest level of integrity,” West Virginia Lottery Director John Myers said. “Earning this distinction for 23 straight years is a testament to the West Virginia Lottery’s long-standing commitment to transparency and the public trust.”
“We’re pleased with the continued strength and consistent contributions the CT Lottery has made to the state, particularly during a time in which Connecticut needs funding more than ever,” said Greg Smith, president and CEO of the CT Lottery. “The CT Lottery works hard to contribute over 60% of the states’ gaming proceeds, and we continue to look at new opportunities for increasing those funds. Every day, CT residents use services that are funded in part by lottery proceeds, from roads to schools to public safety and public health.”
“When the pandemic began, we were truly in uncharted territory,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “But Lottery sales came roaring back, and the casinos worked diligently with us and with public health officials to prepare their reopening plans. We are still adjusting to this ‘new normal’ along with everyone else, and we are proud to continue providing vital funding for Maryland.”
