18 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • JULY/AUGUST 2025 The Mission Is Education: Inside the Strategy, Leadership, and Vision of the country’s top-selling Lottery John Davis, Secretary, Florida Lottery Paul Jason: “How would you describe the mission of the Florida Lottery?” John Davis: Our mission here is clear and impactful: to maximize revenues for the enhancement of public education in Florida, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and public trust, as outlined in Chapter 24 of the Florida Statutes. Every decision we make supports that purpose, and for us, it is more than just selling tickets, it is about delivering real value to Florida’s students, families, and communities. Paul Jason: “Florida leads the nation in lottery sales for the fourth year in a row, an impressive milestone. But behind those numbers is a deeper mission. How does the Lottery translate record-breaking sales into long-term impact for Floridians?” John Davis: It starts with running a responsible, efficient, and forward-thinking operation. Since 1988, the Florida Lottery has contributed over $48 billion to education; supporting K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and our vocational and technical schools. One of our most impactful efforts is being the primary funding source for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program, which has helped more than a million students earn college degrees or vocational certifications. Record sales are only meaningful when they translate into real educational opportunities and that is our focus every day. Paul Jason: “You often speak about education as more than just a cause-it’s a mission. How has that shared commitment to educational opportunity shaped the culture and priorities of the Florida Lottery?” John Davis: Great question. At the Florida Lottery, our beneficiary is education, and we believe it is the cornerstone and gateway to opportunity. Whether it is a degree or a certification, we want every student, regardless of their background, to have access to a better future. Our culture is built around that belief, which aligns with the priorities of the Governor and Legislature and is reflected in how we operate: through partnerships, student-focused programs that drive long-term success, and workforce alignment. Paul Jason: “You have forged a powerful network of relationships with a variety of groups across the state of Florida. Talk about why they’re so important to the Lottery’s mission?” John Davis: Partnerships independent of our retailers extend our reach and deepen our impact around education and expand awareness about the Bright Futures Scholarship program. Whether we’re collaborating with school districts, nonprofits, or local organizations, it is an opportunity to meet students and families where they are. Programs like our work with the Orange Bowl Committee, Take Stock in Children, and the Orlando Magic help us support learning environments, mentoring, and college readiness. The Florida Lottery is the revenue engine, but these partnerships ensure that impact is felt where it matters most, by our students. Paul Jason: “The Lottery operates with a unique blend of public mission and privatesector efficiency. How does that dual identity help translate your educational vision into real-world results-both in terms of revenue and student impact?” John Davis: We run the Florida Lottery like a business, focused on results. While PGRI INTERVIEWS PGRI INTRODUCTION: With over $9.4 billion in sales for FY2024, the Florida Lottery ranks #1 in the nation. This isn’t a story about marketing, promotions, or product. This is a story about visionary leadership, operational discipline, and a bold long-term strategy. It’s about Plan 2030—the Florida Lottery’s blueprint for sustained growth, innovation, and impact. It’s about a team united behind a purpose: to fund education, empower futures, and serve the people of Florida with integrity and excellence.
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