"Both this year and next, those increased Scratch-off sales are making a big impact," said Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Tom Delacenserie. "We listened to players and made changes in prize structures to which they're responding. We also changed our media approach and have new plan execution in place at retail, all of which combine to really drive this product." Delacenserie also said Keno is in a growth pattern, surpassing Powerball sales in the state. "People have really embraced Keno wholeheartedly," he said.

KY LOTTERY SALES GROW AS FISCAL YEAR NEARS END

In Friday's meeting of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation's board of directors, it was announced that sales continue to perform ahead of expectations in the final weeks of Fiscal Year 2018.

Year-to-date sales through the end of May 2018 were $956.8 million, which is 4.7% ($42.7 million) ahead of the previous FY and .9% ($8.8 million) ahead of budget. Several large Mega Millions runs have helped that game show the highest increase of any product, up 38.4% ($10.1 million) from the previous year. Scratch-off sales continue to be the dominant force, accounting for $560.8 million in sales for the period. This is 1.7% ($9.3 million) more than the same period last year, but 1.6% ($8.8 million) below budget.

According to Vice President of Finance and Administration Rick Kelley, sales since March have been crucial in these gains. "New strategies for Scratch-off tickets, offering Keno online via our mobile app, and solid jackpot performance in both Powerball and Mega Millions have been the boost," he said.

The board also approved the Lottery's budget for FY19. Executive Vice President & CFO Howard B. Kline presented a plan that calls for an overall 9% sales increase, which would set the sales goal at $1.13 billion. Income before transfer of dividends is budgeted to be $269.8 million. "It's a very aggressive budget, calling for increases such as a 10% jump in our Scratch-off sales," said Kline. "We feel a number of new sales initiatives though will help us meet this goal."

"Both this year and next, those increased Scratch-off sales are making a big impact," said Kentucky Lottery President and CEO Tom Delacenserie. "We listened to players and made changes in prize structures to which they're responding. We also changed our media approach and have new plan execution in place at retail, all of which combine to really drive this product." Delacenserie also said Keno is in a growth pattern, surpassing  Powerball sales in the state. "People have really embraced Keno wholeheartedly," he said.

In other business, the board approved incentive plans for both the Scratch-off and Keno
product lines, a test pilot program for the game Win Place and Show, game rules and regulations for eleven Scratch-off games and three Instant Play games, and amended rules for three draw games.

The next meeting of the KLC's board of directors will be August 10. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM EST, and will be held at the KLC headquarters at 1011 West Main Street in Louisville. Committee meetings will begin at 8:00 AM EST.

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