La Fleur’s Magazine’s new series—Quote of the Week—features interviews with lottery directors about what’s ahead for their organizations in fiscal 2022. We will feature a different director each week. This week we are spotlighting Rose Hudson, President, Louisiana Lottery Corporation.
What’s ahead for your lottery in FY22?
“The new year will usher in a whirlwind of exciting changes for the Louisiana Lottery, starting with sports betting. Not only will we embark on mobile and online sports wagering, but we are also exploring new retailer partnerships at bars and restaurants through kiosk-style betting. During the pandemic, new product development opportunities blossomed after the legislature reduced our beneficiary transfer mandate in exchange for the promise of greater net proceeds. This move, along with a flux of new players during the pandemic, drove sales to end our best year ever in 2021. With increased average payouts on our scratch-off games and the introduction of Fast Play, our new instant-win terminal games in June, we are sustaining that momentum. For the new year, we will launch our first family of progressive jackpot Fast Play games called Louisiana Jackpot. We will also renew a strategic alliance with the Tony Chachere’s brand of Cajun seasoning to produce a scratch-off game highlighting their 50th anniversary. Finally, after launching our mobile app with ticketing checking and digital playslip capabilities during the pandemic, we plan to add mobile cashing of winning tickets. To reflect on ALL OF THIS being achieved during a global pandemic and recovery from FOUR hurricanes speaks to the tenacity, resilience and fortitude of our employees, retailers and customers.”
What book are you currently reading?
“I am usually reading SEVERAL books at once, one fiction and one for personal/professional growth. The first is Orange Crushed. It is a murder mystery that plays out in the world of Ivy League schools. I would not have selected it, but it is the selection of ONE of my books clubs. I am a member of two clubs, and my reading has really increased because of the groups. The second book is one I started and stopped, but am now really enjoying. It is called The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure A Seat At The Table. It provides some interesting real-world situations that I can relate to. I have recommended it to my daughter and HER friends. I mentor several young women and I am using this as a guidebook and for inspiration.”
Where do you plan to vacation in the next six months?
“A vacation!! I adore traveling and have missed it so much. I spend as much time in New Orleans as I can, so I make that FEEL like a vacation. I have totaled up ALL my miles and feel like I should just use them ALL in 2022! When I can, I hope to travel Internationally again. My first choice would be France…time to taste champagne!”