PGIJANFEBMAGAZINE2021a

31 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 Throughout 2020, lotteries held second-chance drawings and contests to determine a national pool of semi-finalists. Five finalists were randomly selected from that pool to move on to the New Year’s drawing for the chance to win $1 million. Like all things in 2020, this year’s production and winner experience looked different than the inaugural event that flew more than 300 Powerball players and their guests to New York City for a VIP experience and New Year’s Eve gala. To protect the health and safety of the five finalists and their families, dick clark productions and the Multi- State Lottery Association opted for an alternative format. The VIP experience in New York City was replaced with a New Year’s Eve at-home party prize package including a $12,500 cash prize, deluxe surf-and- turf dinner for eight, 70-inch LED TV, karaoke system, $500 gift certificate to Party City, and more. All five finalists were interviewed live on-air from their hometowns by Jessie James Decker leading up to the $1 million drawing. “There were so many powerful stories that came out of the interviews with the finalists from last year’s promotion that producers decided to add a fifth Powerball segment to this year’s broadcast,” said Kevin Patrick Smith, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships, dick clark productions. “Ryan Seacrest was also able to join Jessie James Decker in the Powerball Studio for the life-changing moment.” Interviewing the finalists from their hometowns added several layers of complexity to the production. In addition to adhering to public health guidelines set forth by state and local officials, all five locations had to be audio and visually connected to programming in New York. Leading up to the broadcast, dick clark productions worked with all five finalists and their families to get them comfortable with appearing on network television. Meanwhile, in New York City, a space in a high-rise building overlooking Times Square was converted into the Powerball Studio for the $1 million drawing. To oversee the drawing, MUSL’s Director of Draws and Productions Sue Dooley departed for New York City on December 24. Dooley, like all production personnel, had to follow specified health and safety protocols in order to participate in the show. In the end, after months of preparation, the POWERBALL First Millionaire of the Year® promotion culminated with 12 minutes of premier content on the top-rated entertainment telecast of the season. The Powerball Product Group has already approved a third installment of the promotion, and talks have begun on how to expand the promotion to even more states, while delivering Powerball players another premier experience. “We want to continue to build Powerball’s brand on a global level,” Edgar added. “At the same time, we’re continuing to build enthusiasm about the game at the state level, and we will be working closely with our lottery partners in the months ahead to accomplish both.” Q Ryan Seacrest and Jesse James Decker Carlos Mabry & Family