South Carolina Education Lottery

The board meeting covered several key operational and financial topics, including a quarterly advertising and marketing review, the approval of the FY 2027 media buy plan, and a comprehensive financial update detailing revenue gains and net income growth driven by scratch-off and terminal game performance. Discussions also included the rollout of the SciQ automated accounting system, upcoming procurement activities such as a Digital Services RFP, legislative updates regarding skill-based machine regulations, and a report on upcoming promotional event participation.

The Marketing and Retailer Relations Committee meeting focused on marketing and retailer topics. Key discussions included proposed play responsibly advertisement concepts, specifically the "All for Fun" and "A Part of the Game" voiceover campaigns, and a new humorous branding campaign titled "Your New Best Friend" intended for an April rollout. The committee unanimously approved these advertisement concepts and the new branding campaign. Additionally, an update was provided on the SCiQ implementation, noting the distribution of 400 units, service call data, and growth statistics related to the devices. Regarding responsible gaming efforts, Legal Services agreed to provide information on statutory requirements concerning gambling addiction.

Key discussions during the meeting included the introduction of two newly appointed Board Members. The Board unanimously elected the slate of officers for 2026. The Audit Committee Report was adopted, including the approval of the 2026 Audit Plan. The Board reviewed quarterly advertising and marketing materials, concluding that the content was accurate and not exploitative. A major action item involved the consideration of a Board Policy on Instant Ticket Vending Machines (ITVMs); after extensive financial review showing potential for increased education funding, the Board unanimously adopted a policy to seek amendments to state law to allow ITVMs. Financial updates highlighted strong performance in the first four months of FY 2026, with significant increases in Transfers and overall Game Revenues, partially driven by large Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot runs, and the impact of the Debit Card Proviso. Updates were also provided on the status of ongoing Freedom of Information Act litigation and plans for issuing a Mobile App Request for Proposal (RFP) in early 2026.

The Audit Committee meeting focused on several key internal audit matters. The Internal Auditor provided an update on the 2025 Self-Assessment Survey, noting a drop in participation percentage despite a consistent number of respondents, and offered recommendations for improvement. Further discussion covered the Cellphone Audit and the Purchase Card Audit. The committee reviewed the purpose and scope of the Internal Audit Charter, which grants the internal auditor unrestricted access to all necessary functions, records, and personnel. The scope of the Audit Committee Charter was also reviewed, noting its responsibility for oversight of financial reporting and internal controls. Finally, the committee reviewed the updated Internal Audit Plan covering IT inventory processes, banking procedures, and gaming ticket security, and subsequently approved the Internal Audit Charter, Audit Committee Charter, and the Internal Audit Plan.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics, including a quarterly advertising and marketing review, a financial update and FY25 year-end report, a demonstration of the new SCiQ ticketing solution, and an executive director report. The advertising review covered the success of past campaigns and new initiatives, while the financial report highlighted the lottery's performance compared to the previous year and against its financial plan. The SCiQ demonstration showcased the new ticketing solution being rolled out to stores, and the executive director report introduced new staff members and provided updates on recent events and legal matters.