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TEXAS LOTTERY GENERAL COUNSEL WINS TOP INDUSTRY HONOR (AUSTIN) – The Texas Lottery Commission today announced that Bob Biard, general counsel, was a recipient of the 2018 Powers Award at the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries’ (NASPL) seminar held recently in Orlando, Florida.
“I want to congratulate Bob on this prestigious honor,” said Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery. “Bob's experience, along with his sound legal advice, attention to detail, and ability to analyze our legal challenges with an eye towards finding a solution have played a key role in the Texas Lottery’s ability to pursue unique opportunities over the years. I can attest to the fact that Bob possesses all the traits that the Powers Award represents.”
Each year, the Powers Awards are presented in recognition of the significant contributions lottery and lottery vendor employees have made through exceptional job performance. These awards are named in honor of the late Edward J. Powers, the “Father of U.S. Lotteries.” Powers spent more than 25 years in the lottery industry helping to define the most effective organizational structures that have become a blueprint for today’s lotteries. The drive, commitment and integrity Powers demonstrated set the standard of excellence exhibited by lottery and vendor employees nominated for this award.
Biard joined the Texas Lottery Commission in December 2008 as assistant general counsel and was promoted to general counsel in September 2012. He advises the commissioners, executive director and senior agency management on legal issues impacting the agency’s regulatory and business initiatives, and in interactions with vendors, players, legislators and other lottery organizations. Biard also directs the Commission’s Legal Services Division, which provides legal support to all agency divisions. About the Texas Lottery Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated $28 billion in revenue for the state and distributed $56 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $22 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.
As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.
Since the first veterans’ themed scratch ticket game was launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $99 million for programs supporting Texas veterans.
The Texas Lottery provides several entertaining games for lottery players including Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto Texas®, All or Nothing™, Texas Two Step®, Pick 3™, Daily 4™, Cash Five® and scratch ticket games. For more information visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or at www.txlottery.org. Editors/News Directors, note: An image of Bob Biard is attached in JPEG format