Senate panel recommends Jeff Weintraub for Arizona Lottery Commission

The Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee on April 23 recommended Jeff Weintraub for reconfirmation to the Arizona State Lottery Commission.

Weintraub, who identified himself as the longest-serving member and current chair of the Lottery Commission, told the committee he has served since 2010 and credited a 77% increase in sales since his tenure began, including two recent record years. “I possess a deep understanding of the metrics we need to evaluate to ensure the lottery is meeting statutory obligations to responsibly generate revenue for the state,” Weintraub said.

Committee staff summarized statutory membership rules for the commission: five members serving five-year terms, residency and citizenship requirements, limits on party representation, and a statutory expectation that at least one member have five years’ experience in certain fields such as accounting or retailing.

During questioning, members asked about the lottery’s responsible-gaming credentials and plans to sell tickets online. Weintraub said the lottery recently achieved a Level 2 responsible gaming status with the World Lottery Association and that a future online sales model would use agents authorized to sell online rather than direct state sales. On the posting of the problem-gambling help number at points of sale — a statutory requirement, committee members said — Weintraub said he would pursue enforcement and education efforts to improve compliance.

A committee member moved to recommend Weintraub’s reconfirmation to the full Senate; the committee voted 6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 not voting and forwarded the recommendation.