Charles McIntyre

The meeting covered financial reports, including sales data for February which showed a decrease in instant tickets but strong performance in Fast Play and iLottery. Sports betting revenues were low in February but year-to-date revenue is positive. Racing and charitable gaming revenues increased. The transfer to Education was below projections for February but above projections year-to-date. The sports betting report showed a low handle in February but expectations for improvement with March Madness. Sales and product development updates included information on iLottery player activity, Fast Play sales, instant sales, Keno expansion, and the player app. Marketing updates included February's lean results, the new "Are You Game" campaign, and upcoming March Madness efforts. The Tri-State report covered the awarding of an auditing contract, Big Country Cash and Fast Play, and proposed changes to Tri-State Megabucks. Operations updates included personnel changes, open positions, building upgrades, and the final state audit report.

The meeting included a public hearing for Lot 700, Employee Recognition Program. Financial reports showed a decrease in Lottery sales in April compared to last fiscal year, with decreases in instant ticket sales and some draw games, but increases in Powerball and iLottery. Mobile sports betting revenues increased, while racing and charitable gaming revenues decreased. The net profit transfer to Education exceeded projections. Discussions included sports betting performance, sales and product development (including iLottery performance, instant ticket sales, Keno, and the mobile app), marketing efforts (including promotions, sponsorships, and social media), Tri-State Commission activities, operations updates (including new hires and recruitment), compliance matters (including Historic Horse Racing licenses), and upcoming meetings. Concerns were raised about the variation in rents charged to charities by gaming facilities.

The meeting agenda includes a report by the Council on Problem Gambling, covering budget and training updates, the appointment of Angela Bergen as Executive Director, and an application for affiliate status with the National Council on Problem Gambling. An update on available problem gambling funds and access will also be discussed.

The meeting covered updates on the Tri-State financial portfolio, including its transfer to US Bank and its performance in the first part of the year. The FY23 Tri-State budget was approved, with discussion of potential pay raises for Tri-State employees. A request for $1.5 million from unclaimed prize money for promotions was approved. The addition of a Monday drawing to the Tri-State Megabucks game, starting September 18, 2023, was confirmed. The selection process for the next two Tri-State scratch tickets was discussed. The annual Tri-State draw audit contract was addressed, and committee reports were accepted. Committee appointments and the Virtual Meeting Policy were also discussed.

The meeting covered various topics including financial reports showing sales decreases in some areas but overall growth in others; sports betting revenue reports; sales and product development updates, including the launch of a new player app and plans for future promotions; marketing updates on campaigns and sponsorships; a Tri-State update; operational updates on staffing and building improvements; compliance updates on employee recognition programs; and other business items such as the annual financial report and historic horse racing updates.