20 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 Matt Strawn: As we talk about what’s next for national games, we can’t forget one of the biggest reasons we do what we do. It’s not just about benefiting good causes in our jurisdictions—it’s about the brands we represent and the life-changing prizes they offer. As directors and lottery leaders, we’re often one or two steps removed from that moment when someone wins. But I was there in Phoenix last year for the climax of the Nascar promotion when Megan Lewis won a million dollars, and the feeling was indescribable. So how do we keep creating those moments while strengthening the games that deliver such tremendous returns? Before we dive in, let me thank Bret and his team—Bret, Barb, Anna, Shannon—for the incredible work they do. Consider how small the MUSL team is, and yet we’re able to do so much because of their collaboration with working directors like Jay, Sarah, and David—who all have day jobs back in their home states. If you were here Tuesday, you saw four hours of work from Sarah’s committee. It’s inspiring to see directors roll up their sleeves to ensure a vibrant national draw games category. None of this happens by accident. I think back to last year’s panel here, when Bret and then-MUSL-President David Barden laid out a roadmap for the national games category. That plan, built during our biennial strategic planning session, is now being executed—and we’ll see a dramatic difference over the next two to four years. Before we hear from Bret, one final shoutout to our colleague Drew Svitko. Drew, my predecessor and past Powerball Product Group Chair and MUSL President, had a major hand in the strategy we’re discussing today. Bret, let’s start with you. Last year, you introduced what seemed like an aggressive timeline for directors, lotteries, and the vendor community. Take it away. Bret Toyne: Thanks, Matt. I appreciate the kind words and support, and thanks to the PANEL DISCUSSION This article is based on a panel discussion held at the PGRI Smart-Tech Conference on March 6 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. You can view the video on PGRItalks.com. National Games, Global Vision: How Collaboration Is Shaping the Future of Lottery Moderator: Matt Strawn, Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Lottery Powerball Product Group Chair and MUSL VicePresident David Barden, CEO & President, New Mexico Lottery and Chair, MUSL International Working Group Jay Finks, Executive Director, Oklahoma Lottery and Chair, MUSL Marketing and Promotions Committee Sarah Taylor, Executive Director, Hoosier Lottery (Indiana) and Chair, MUSL Development Committee Bret Toyne, Executive Director, MUSL L to R: David Barden, Bret Toyne, Sarah Taylor, Jay Finks, Matt Strawn “Something’s shifted in this industry. There’s a real entrepreneurial spirit, with tenacious follow-through that is pushing ambitious ideas across the finish line.”
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