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 James Carey, Jr., Director, New Jersey Lottery.
What’s ahead for your lottery in FY22?
“New Jersey has always faced some unique circumstances. While we had great success over the past few years, we are competing for players who have a lot of other options to spend their leisure dollars and Atlantic City casinos have recently added online casino gaming and sports. In 2022, we have big changes in store for our flagship, in-state jackpot game, Pick-6. We are increasing the cost from $1 to $2 and changing the matrix from 6 of 49 to 6 of 46 to improve the odds. The base game will now include a multiplier on non-jackpot prizes further enhancing play, and we will start offering Double Play as an add-on. Also in the spring, we will be debuting a Big Spin Scratch-Off game, that includes on-line and live event elements.”
What book are you currently reading?
“I just finished the Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis. I have always been a huge fan of his books, which address serious issues but are written with an amazing sense of humor. The Fifth Risk looks at the transition from the Obama Administration to the Trump Administration. Lewis goes on to explore some of the various critical services that the federal government provides and that so many people forget about or take for granted. Having spent more than 20 years in government, I found the book inspiring when Lewis talks to government workers who are committed to their mission.”
Where do you plan to vacation in the next six months?
“We just rented a house for a week in August on Block Island, Rhode Island. I arrived there last August with my wife and two children just in time for the eye of Hurricane Henri to pass right over the island. We are looking forward to a less eventful trip this year.”