North Carolina Education Lottery

The meeting commenced with mandatory ethics announcements and remote meeting compliance disclosures. Key discussions included an annual update on the NC Problem Gambling Program, detailing helpline data, program metrics, and the funding source (solely the Lottery, as Tribal Casinos are exempt). The Revenue Generating Committee reported on standard updates and one action item. The Product Development update covered Digital Instants, instant win games, scratch-offs, and Powerball figures. Brand Management presented updates on various campaigns and received approval for an action item to expand the Digital Menu Boards program by 500 units. The Sales update detailed the recent annual Sales workshop, which focused on achieving $4 billion in retail sales. The Finance Report covered FY2025 financial results and preliminary FY2026 sales through August. The Internal Audit provided a report on regional offices and agency policies. Human Resources reported on headcount, new hires, succession planning, and an upcoming compensation study. The Commission approved the FY 2026 Corporate Incentive Plan proposal. The Regulated Gaming Committee presented updates, including the introduction of the new Director of Licensing and Compliance, and approved the Designation of Hearing Officers action item. A legislative update confirmed the Lottery was part of a standard, state-funded performance audit.

The agenda for this meeting included several key discussion points. Information was presented regarding the Cherry Bekaert Audit Executive Summary. Committee reports covered updates on Product Development, Brand Management, and Sales. The Finance & Audit Committee addressed preliminary financial results for FY26 through November 2025, updates on various internal audits (Digital Instants, Promotions & Promotional Events, Objectivity Statements, Security Audit, and Performance Audit), and a request for delegation regarding the Independent Audit of Internal Controls. The Operations & Personnel Committee reported on Human Resources matters. The Regulated Gaming Committee reviewed revenue reports, operator updates, and the aforementioned request for delegation for the Internal Controls audit. The Executive Director provided updates on legal and legislative matters.

The Commission meeting addressed standard ethics announcements and roll call confirmation. Key discussions involved the Revenue Generating Committee meeting concerning the expansion of the vending contract with Brightstar. Specifically, the Commission reviewed the proposal for an additional purchase of 1,000 self-service vending machines, including associated cost and revenue estimates. The Commission unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the existing agreement with Brightstar, directing staff to execute the amendment on terms consistent with the presentation.

The meeting included a performance audit summary, regulated gaming updates, and human resources updates including employee headcount, retirements, onboarding, and the Ticket to Success program. The Commission reviewed and approved edits to the Rulemaking Policy and Procedure. The Finance and Audit Committee presented the FY2026 Budget for approval. There were discussions on product development, brand management, sales, and legislative updates. The Commission also approved contract extensions with Pollard Banknote, IGT, and NeoPollard Interactive. A closed session was held to discuss legal matters.

The meeting included reports from various committees and officers. The Regulated Gaming Committee discussed standard departmental reports and the Annual Attestation of Compliance form for licensees, which was approved. The Revenue Generating Committee covered product development, including digital instants, scratch-off launches, and changes to Mega Millions, and approved the Jurassic Park Licensing Agreement. Updates were also provided on brand management, sales, and proposed revisions to the Mega Millions Retailer Incentive Award. The Operations and Personnel Committee discussed human resources, including employee headcount and demographics. The Finance and Audit section included updates on finance, with comparisons of sales and revenue, and internal audit, with details of audit reports. A legislative update was also presented.