January 21, 2025
The holiday season has come to an end, and 2025 has gotten off to fast start and promises to be memorable in many ways.
We started the year on a somber note with the fires in California. My heart goes out to our friends at the California Lottery and everyone who has been affected by the fires. I wish them the best on their long and difficult road recovering from the devastation.
We have a new American President taking office who will usher in a new set of challenges and opportunities for states to face.
At the same time, in Georgia, NASPL and WLA hit the ground running, by starting the year with its first joint Responsible Gambling and Corporate Social Responsibility seminar. Hosted by Gretchen Corbin and the Georgia Lottery, the seminar was a huge success. With participants from all over the world, the information shared was timely, informative and worth braving the uncharacteristically cold temps in Atlanta. Special thanks to Gretchen and her team, who made us all feel welcome. They hosted with class, professionalism and a healthy dose of southern hospitality, and even provided a behind-the-scenes look at a live taping of a Mega Millions drawing. Special thanks to team NASPL and the WLA for curating content and accommodations that were excellent and a testament to the high standard we hope to achieve and maintain in everything we do.
This year is going to be special. Good luck to all in 2025! And for many of us, we have reached the midpoint of our fiscal year, so here’s to a strong second half. Â
Harold Mays
Director, Illinois Lottery
NASPL President