Rebecca A. Byrd

This report provides a status update on Sales, Product Development, and Creative Services, focusing on performance metrics for February 2026. Key topics include year-over-year sales comparisons across store segments, the launch of new scratch-off and FAST PLAY products, field sales activities, retailer recruitment efforts, and updates on marketing campaigns, digital initiatives, and problem gambling awareness programs.

The report provides updates on eLicensing, Information Technology, and Procurement activities. IT updates include progress on security awareness training, the transition to Microsoft Entra for authentication, hypervisor server updates, compliance with new operational directives, and testing of a new VoIP phone system. Procurement activities involve updates on the Playstation IFB, market research for the 2028 Instant Ticket RFP, the approval of the Ravens and NFL licensing agreement, progress on the Lottery Central Monitoring and Control System RFP resolicitation, and the development of the RFP for Fraternal and Sororal Organizations following recent legislative action.

The report provides an overview of operations, including retailer and terminal counts, and updates on contract management such as terminal installation, debit reader deployment, and the launch of new instant games. It also covers facility management topics, including efforts to acquire additional warehouse space, surplus property disposals, ongoing vehicle logistics, and coordination with various departments regarding staff recruitment and training. Additionally, it details warehouse operations, including ticket packing and shipping processes, and highlights warehouse performance metrics.

The report for the Commission Meeting provided updates across several operational areas. Key items included the status of Skills-Based Amusement Device Registrations for both the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 cycles, showing current counts for registered owners, locations, and devices. The Gaming Audit Department reported on the completion status of various Casino Audits, Instant Bingo Hall Audits, and Sports Wagering Audits, noting periods covered up to December and in-process activities for January-February. Electronic Gaming Device operations data, including VLT installs and removals across facilities, was presented. Staff reported on the exercise of delegated authority to approve equipment, systems, and software for VLT, bingo, and sports wagering operators between January 20 and February 23, 2026. The report also detailed the status of the Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) for casinos, bingo halls, sports wagering, and fantasy competition, noting increases in casino VEP participants in January 2026 compared to January 2025 net sales. Furthermore, updates were provided on illegal online gaming enforcement, including the issuance of cease and desist letters and operator responses.

The report details updates across several operational areas for the January 2026 Commission Meeting. In eLicensing, UVS is addressing issues and proposing system improvements. For Information Technology, the Agency achieved 100% completion for the 4th quarter Information Security Awareness training, and the new Help Desk ticketing system implementation was successful. IT staff are collaborating with DoIT on statewide transitions to Microsoft Entra, improving data governance, zero trust architecture, and customer service. The IT department also assisted with the completion of the final draw for the Raffle game. Procurement updates highlight that the Playstation IFB was resolicited with new bids due January 14, 2026. Drafting is underway for the Instant Ticket RFP (2028) and the Ravens/NFL licensing agreement RFP for the 2026-2027 season. The Lottery Central Monitoring and Control System (LCMCS) RFP was cancelled in December 2025 and is being reviewed for amendments. Additionally, an RFP is being circulated for Veterans ITLM legislation, which addresses including Fraternal Organizations.