In today’s meeting of the Kentucky Lottery board of directors, it was announced sales continue to climb, and are ahead of last year’s record-breaking levels.
Board Chair Mark Sommer welcomed new president and CEO Mary Harville to the gathering. Harville was announced yesterday by Governor Andy Beshear as the new Lottery chief executive.
“It was clear to me when I was in Frankfort yesterday that we’re an organization respected for its integrity,” said Harville. “The hundreds of millions of dollars we raise for Kentucky college students is appreciated, we’re firing on all cylinders and have a great team in place.”
“We’re so proud to have one of our own at the helm, and this continuity will only help keep our momentum growing,” said Sommer. Since 2004, Harville has served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for the Lottery. She is the sixth president and CEO of the organization, and the first woman to hold the position.
Vice President and Corporate Controller Maggie Garrison reported total sales for the month of August were $115.4 Million, which is $30.3 million (35.7%) more than last year and $12.7 million (12.3%) more than budgeted. Strong Scratch-off sales helped lead the increase, finishing the month at $19.5 million (38.1%) more than last year and $9.0 million (14.6%) more than budgeted.
“iLottery instant play sales in August were the second-highest monthly sales in our history for the platform,” said Garrison. The $5.7 million in iLottery sales were $4.3 million (298.0%) more than last year and $1.2 million (27.4%) more than budgeted.
For the first two months of FY21, total sales were $239.8 million, a $69.5 million (40.8%) more than last year and $32.7 million (15.8%) more than budgeted
In other business, the board approved the renewal of a contract with Barker and Hebert Analytical Labs Inc. for lottery ticket testing and related services, and rules and regulations for five Scratch-off tickets and five Instant Play games.
The next meeting of the KLC’s board of directors will be December 11th, and will be held via videoconference. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM EST, and will be viewable via the Lottery’s YouTube channel. The audit committee meeting will begin at 8:00 AM EST, as well as the procurement committee at 9:00 AM EST.