Inside Government with PoliticsNY: A Q&A with NYS Gaming Commission’s Division of Lottery Director Gweneth Dean

PoliticsNY is excited to introduce the first Inside Government special edition, Inside Government: Racing, Gaming & Wagering. This special edition features the government officials shaping New York’s racing, gaming and wagering landscape. Today’s Q&A is with New York State Lottery Director Gweneth Dean. 

How does the racing, gaming and wagering industry benefit New Yorkers?
The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable lottery, contributing $3.6 billion in fiscal year 2024-2025 to benefit public schools in New York State. Every dollar spent on a lottery ticket helps New York’s public schools. Additionally, New York businesses that sold lottery tickets across the state received $468 million in commission. Most importantly, players won $4.7 billion in prizes playing lottery draw and scratch-off games.

What improvements would you like to see made to racing, gaming and wagering in New York?
Evolving responsible gaming tools and solutions to assist players in the moment of need. With rapidly changing technologies, I would like to make certain we have the resources to near real time evaluate playing patterns and provide solutions that align with shifting consumer behaviors.

How do you see new technology impacting racing, gaming and wagering in the future?
Technology is essential to lottery operations, game integrity, and to meet consumer demand. We are currently seeking bids for a Lottery Operations and Services Partner to help usher the New York Lottery into the new era with modern systems and solutions that give us the flexibility to provide new games and experiences that consumers want and expect

What is a recent change to the racing, gaming and wagering industry that you are excited about?
I am excited about the new national game, Millionaire for Life, that launched a few weeks ago. The game offers players the chance, daily, to win $1,000,000 a year for life.

What influenced you to join this industry?
I joined the industry because lottery proceeds benefit good causes. I’ve been in this industry for more than 30 years, working at lotteries in New York, Vermont and Virginia. I am proud of the industry’s responsible approach to creating and selling games of chance. We are in the business of offering exciting games to 18+ players and generating revenue for good causes – and making millionaires along the way.