New Lottery Director outlines goals

LITTLE ROCK, AR - In his first press conference since his Saturday appointment to the top position, new lottery director Bishop Woosley outlines his goals to increase money for college scholarships.

Woosley says he wants to show people how the play the games. He says all the different games and ways to play can be intimidating, so he plans to use social media to educate people. "We only have one job here and that is to raise money for the scholarships. That's the most important thing we can do."

Jonathan Duery says that's not what entices him to play. "I'd play anyway, but it's nice to know it's going to a good cause."

Maria Bell says that's the main reason why she plays the lottery. "I do it because I'm contributing to the scholarship fund, but I can only contribute a little bit at a time when I get paid."

Woosley also plans to boost lottery ticket sales by allowing purchases in claims centers. "Hopefully that will offset some of the expenses of the claims centers that way."

Leslie Ottoson doesn't play the lottery, but says maybe if she understood how she would. "You see all of the games and you can't really tell what to do or how to play."

Eric Ottoson doesn't play the lottery either. "Maybe if I knew more about it because I don't know much about it. I know about casino games, but I don't know about the lottery."

That's why Woosley wants to educate more people about how to play. "With our Facebook page, and our Twitter page, and our website. If you look at other lottery Facebook pages, they all have informational videos there."

Chris Freimal plays the lottery occasionally and thinks using social media could work. "I think it would be good to use social media outlets to connect with people." Phillip Chaney also plays the lottery and says using social media is a good idea.

Woosley hopes social media will help him hit $100 million in money for scholarships this year. He's also looking at ways to cut costs internally and save money so more funds can go to scholarships. He does not plan to replace the two vice president positions, a savings of about $450,000.

Woosley was previously the lottery's lawyer and is currently looking for someone to fill that position.