Taking Our Story on the Road

Published January 20, 2026

As I’ve mentioned, one of my top priorities as President of NASPL is simple, but essential: telling the lottery industry’s story. Not just to ourselves, but to policymakers, retailers, media, and the public we serve. Ours is an industry built on purpose, integrity, and public benefit, yet too often our impact is misunderstood or overlooked. Changing that narrative takes consistent engagement, real conversations, and showing up in the rooms where decisions are made.

In just the first few months of my tenure, I’ve been fortunate to represent our industry in several important settings, and I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing.

Last October, I joined Powerball Group Chair Matt Strawn of the Iowa Lottery in Des Moines for a full day of media and key retailer visits. We talked about what big jackpots really mean – not just excitement and entertainment, but the critical funding they generate for beneficiary programs across our states. Just as importantly, we highlighted the vital role retailers play as the frontline ambassadors of our products. These conversations reinforced that when we explain the “why” behind what we do, people listen. They want to understand how lottery dollars support education, infrastructure, and community services that touch lives every day.

Shortly after, I joined NASPL Immediate Past President and Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays and NASPL Treasurer and Delaware Lottery Director Helene Keeley at the Council of State Governments National Conference in Chicago. This was an invaluable opportunity to engage with state leaders and policy experts from across the country. Sessions addressed issues directly relevant to our operations – topics like cashless payments, banking, social media, and state budgeting. Being part of these discussions allows us to ensure the lottery perspective was represented and understood. It was also a reminder that our challenges are often shared with other state agencies. And that collaboration matters.

Looking ahead to March, I’ll be attending the American Society for Public Administration Annual Conference in Los Angeles alongside an impressive group of lottery leaders: Helene Keeley; California Lottery Director Harjinder Shergill-Chima; Tennessee Lottery President and CEO Rebecca Paul; Idaho Lottery Director Andrew Arulanandam; and Minnesota Lottery Executive Director Adam Prock. Together, we’ll present on behalf of the industry, discussing the unique role lotteries play within state government. We’ll cover public policy engagement, lottery administration, and – most importantly – the impact of beneficiary programs such as college scholarships, environmental protection, economic development, human services, capital facilities and general government operations. We’ll also address responsible gaming and problem gambling treatment, because those commitments are core to who we are. This is a chance to educate public administrators about the complexity and value of our work – and an opportunity to correct outdated perceptions.

And this week, I’ll be in Kansas City attending the Petroleum and Convenience Expo (PACEshow), where I’ll meet with c-store representatives to thank them for their support and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing this critical retail sector. Our retail partners are essential to our success, and these conversations help ensure we’re building stronger relationships and adapting to a changing marketplace together.

Across all of these engagements, one theme stands out: When we show up and tell our story, we build trust. We remind people that lottery organizations are not just fun and games. We are public institutions with a mission. We fund programs that change lives. We operate responsibly, with accountability. And we contribute meaningfully to state economies.

All while ALSO offering fun and exciting products for players.

Telling our story is a collective responsibility. Every lottery professional, every retailer, every partner has a role to play in sharing our impact and values. Whether you’re speaking with a legislator, a community group, or a customer at the counter, those moments matter.

We are an industry of talented, dedicated professionals doing meaningful work. Let’s make sure the world knows it.

Brian Rockey

Director, Nebraska Lottery

NASPL President