While many states have tried to increase lottery awareness and play opportunities through increasing advertising budgets, the effectiveness of such efforts remains questionable. Some states have also increased retail lottery locations. According to a recent Gallup poll, only eight percent of Americans play state lotteries. States must keep developing new games and prizes to remain relevant and attract players. To do so, they must implement a solid marketing strategy.
The Director of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is appointed by the Governor and must receive advice and consent from the Senate. The Director is required to certify the lottery’s financial reports every month. This includes the lottery’s revenue, prize disbursements, and other expenses. The Director can also enter into interstate lottery contracts with other states.
The State Lottery and Gaming Control Committee is comprised of seven members appointed by the Governor. The Director of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is a nonvoting member of the committee. Virginia lottery laws state that the lottery’s revenue is exempt from state taxes. The difference in revenue between the projected revenue and the actual revenue must be transferred to the Virginia Lottery Fund by the State Comptroller.
While Wyoming does not have a state lottery, lawmakers have been considering the idea for more than ten years. In 2005, the state House of Representatives narrowly rejected a state lottery bill, and the House of Representatives again voted it down by a 31-27 margin in 2007. Supporters hope that the state lottery will be implemented soon.