Lottery Brief: Rejected Ideas

A special commission in New Hampshire is examining the state’s charitable gaming industry and working on recommendations for the Legislature on how to regulate it. New Hampshire has a unique model where a portion of the proceeds from the state’s 14 licensed casinos goes to various charities, and the state regulates factors like maximum bet sizes and operating hours. Recently, restrictions have been eased, allowing slot machines and out-of-state companies to enter the market. The commission aims to regulate the industry while supporting nonprofits and will look into fees charities pay to casinos and regional gaming regulations.

During his presentation to the commission on Tuesday, Charles McIntyre, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Lottery, highlighted the industry’s expansion. He pointed out that “significant sums of money” are expected to flow into the state with the introduction of more slot machines at various facilities. McIntyre suggested that a potential regulatory modification might involve directing a portion of those revenues to the towns and cities hosting charitable casinos.

The commission has until November 1, 2024, to issue its report with recommendations.

North Carolina is fast-tracking its sports betting rules to meet the requirements of a 2023 law. The North Carolina Lottery Commission’s Sports Betting Committee has approved a notice of proposed sports wagering rules. These rules, which primarily focus on general provisions and licensing, are now available for public comment until November 1, with final approval pending. The committee instructed its team to start an “expedited rulemaking procedure” related to sports betting oversight. This method, sanctioned under a policy the Commission adopted in September, is aimed at hastening the regulatory steps. This “expedited rulemaking procedure” grants the NC Education Lottery Executive Director, Mark Michalko, the right to green-light proposed notice of rulemaking for sports wagering and pari-mutuel wagering, but only “after consultation with the Chair of the Commission (Ripley Rand).” North Carolina sports betting is set to launch between January 8 and June 15, 2024, and it will be operated through agreements with professional sports teams, NASCAR tracks, and pro golf facilities. A second round of proposed rules is expected to cover areas such as advertising, licensing appeals, and more.

In a new TV ad for the Virginia Lottery, the creative team at Alice Blue presents the idea of introducing new games every Tuesday in a playful and engaging manner. With catchy phrases and hashtags like ‘Hump Day Eve New Games Every Tues,’ they aim to captivate the audience. The ad’s lighthearted approach reflects the brainstorming session’s creative spirit. Represented in the Midwest by Schumann & Company, this ad lets you decide if it hits the jackpot in fun and entertainment.

The Lottery Corporation (TLC) is searching for a new chairman as Steven Gregg steps down from the role. Gregg will be retiring from TLC within the next six months after being named chairman-elect for the Westpac Banking Corporation.

The Illinois Lottery celebrated its highest-ever net income of $882 million for fiscal year 2023, driven by historic Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots. This marks a 5.7% increase over the previous year.

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La Française des Jeux has introduced a new European-wide drawing game named EuroDreams, offering the chance to win “20,000 euros per month for 30 years.” EuroDreams is a collaborative effort of nine lotteries from eight European countries, targeting a younger audience, particularly those aged 25-40, with a vibrant and fresh approach. The first draw will take place on November 6.

Several New York casinos are experiencing statewide disruptions due to problems with the video lottery system. This issue, which impacted some gaming operations across the state, was attributed to a service interruption with Everi, the video lottery central system operator.