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 John Martin, Director, Maryland Lottery & Gaming.
What’s ahead for your lottery in FY22?
“I didn’t think it was possible to improve upon our FY21 sales performance but after the first quarter, we’re 7.6% ahead of our record-setting pace. We continue to be a leader in the FAST PLAY category now 18 months in and growing strong. We’ll add Pick 5 to our draw game line-up soon and drop an underperforming game which can only increase sales. The second half of FY22 will see a series of strong scratch-off concepts including our first oversized ticket in the spring. Players continue to enjoy the benefits of self-service vending solutions across the state as we look to install our 2,000th machine. Finally, the entire organization is amped up to celebrate our 50th anniversary in FY23 so we’ll be busy this year planning a number of fun events and promotions for next year. Get back to me then!”
What book are you currently reading?
“The last book I read was in 1969 (I was 13 years old). It was a biography of Joe Namath of the New York Jets, written with the legendary Dick Schaap: I Can’t Wait Until Tomorrow. ‘Cause I Get Better – Looking Every Day. I’m not a deep thinker.”
Where do you plan to vacation in the next six months?
“Every six months we visit my mother in Florida and spend the entire time baking in the sun, lounging at the pool, walking on the beach, and laughing at the snowbirds who come down from the north every six months. We’re not laughing at them as much anymore. We’re there now!”