Meghan Powers

The meeting focused on discussing and reviewing a new cause framework for the lottery program and the final report. The task force members considered a legislative path involving a committee to evaluate new causes and a formal grant program concept. The grant program would potentially leverage approximately $1M/year from the proceeds of the joint ticket, with DPH and DHS managing the grant. The task force discussed the details of administering the grant program, including eligibility criteria for causes. The department will compile recommendations from previous meetings for members to vote on in the July meeting.

The meeting included reports on sales performance, finance, advertising and marketing, and public relations. Discussions covered FY25 sales, the impact of iLottery, and strategies for acquiring and retaining players. The board also reviewed community outreach efforts, responsible gaming initiatives, and upcoming staff changes. The department is in progress with its 2-year full compliance audit review with the Office of the Auditor General on FY24 and FY25 and will keep the Board Members updated om progress. The Department continues its work with the Specialty Ticket Task Force and expect to issue a final report of recommendations regarding the future of the program.

The task force meeting addressed several key issues, including a review of the final report summarizing the task force's work and discussions. Recommendations were made regarding legislative action to address the sunset dates for HIV and breast cancer causes, with a preference for extending the deadline during the veto session. The task force also discussed expanding the program from 10 to 12 causes, the potential impact on funding for legacy causes, and explored options for administering two new causes through a grant program. The group agreed that the grant program option made the most sense for the program and relieving legislative pressure, giving the most options for others to participate in the program. The Department will start on the final report and draft veto language.

The meeting addressed concerns from the public regarding courier services and the acceptance of credit cards at ticket vending machines. The board received a director's report, including sales performance, finance updates, advertising and marketing strategies, public relations, responsible play, and corporate social responsibility. The sales performance included discussion of instant ticket sales, draw-based game sales, and iLottery sales. The finance update included discussion of instant sales, jackpot performance, fast play, and profit and loss statement. There were also discussions regarding community outreach, winning storytelling, and the responsible gaming program. The department has begun its 2-year full compliance audit review with the Office of the Auditor General on FY24 and FY25. The department was successful in extending the sunset provision on the iLottery program.

The task force meeting addressed the goal of reviewing the presentation by Director Mays, which included a recap of previous meetings and progress towards statutory goals. The current joint ticket's performance was highlighted, noting its success compared to previous tickets, though with some causes receiving less funding due to the increased number of causes. The program is set to expand from 10 to 12 causes, with two new floater causes to be selected, and an adjustment to proceed allocation favoring the eight causes without existing sunsets. The Department researched ways to handle the administration and evaluation process for the two new floater causes, considering criteria such as GATA requirements and the nature of floating causes. The task force discussed the need for criteria to ensure Lottery funds remain in Illinois and considered whether current state funding should be a factor in selecting causes. The length of time a floater is considered a recipient was discussed, with a recommendation of two years. The Department will continue exploring potential application frameworks and procedures for evaluating new causes.