Nebraska Lottery Division (Nebraska Department of Revenue)
- Founded
- 1993-01-01 in Lincoln, Nebraska
- Headquarters
- Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
The Nebraska Lottery Division is a government-operated lottery program within the Nebraska Department of Revenue, established by Legislative Bill 138 in February 1993. It began operations later that year as the 37th state lottery in the United States. The division administers all lottery games in the state, including scratch-ticket (instant) games and multi-state draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions. It also oversees charitable gaming activities, which were merged with lottery functions in 2007. Since its inception, the Nebraska Lottery has generated over $1 billion in proceeds for state-designated beneficiaries, including education, environmental programs, and the Nebraska State Fair. The division operates through a network of licensed retailers and relies on International Game Technology (IGT) for its central gaming system. It is led by Director Brian Rockey, who reports to the state Tax Commissioner, and is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Detailed Review
History and Organization
The Nebraska Lottery Division was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 1993 (LB 138) to provide a non-tax revenue source for the state. The first tickets went on sale later that year. The division is part of the Nebraska Department of Revenue and is responsible for administering all lottery games, including instant-win scratch games, daily draw games, and multi-state jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association. In July 2007, the lottery and charitable gaming functions were merged under a single administrator to improve efficiency.
Products and Operations
The division offers a variety of products: scratch-ticket games (instant tickets) with various themes and prize levels; multi-state draw games including Powerball, Mega Millions, and occasionally Lotto America; and Nebraska-only draw games such as Nebraska Pick 5. The Retailer Wizard portal allows retailers to manage inventory, sales reports, and promotions. The division also licenses and regulates charitable gaming, including bingo, pickle cards, lotto, and raffles conducted by nonprofit organizations. A recent development is the WAGER (Winnings and Gambling Earnings Recovery) database, which enables the state to intercept gambling winnings to satisfy outstanding state debts and tax liabilities, with full compliance targeted by December 1, 2026.
Revenue and Beneficiaries
A significant milestone was reached during the 2022–2023 fiscal year when cumulative distributions to state programs exceeded $1 billion since 1993. Beneficiaries include the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, the Nebraska State Fair, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund. The division operates from its headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and does not have its own corporate structure; it functions as a unit of state government. Technology and operational support are provided by IGT under a competitive contract. The internal team manages marketing, retailer relations, prize claims, and charitable gaming compliance.
Leadership
The division is overseen by the Nebraska Department of Revenue’s Tax Commissioner. The current Tax Commissioner is James R. Kamm, appointed September 5, 2023. The Director of Lottery and Charitable Gaming is Brian Rockey, appointed July 1, 2016, who previously served the division as marketing manager from 1993 to 2011 and later worked for IGT. Chris Ayotte is Director of Operations and Information Technology, selected August 22, 2016, having started with the Department of Revenue in 1986. Jessica Nawrocki is Director of Compliance, selected March 4, 2024.
Key Products
Scratch-Ticket Games (Instant Tickets)
Paper-based instant-win games with various themes and prize levels, sold by licensed retailers.
Powerball
Multi-state jackpot draw game; tickets sold at Nebraska Lottery retailers.
Mega Millions
Multi-state jackpot draw game; partnered with other state lotteries.
Lotto America
Multi-state draw game offered when available.
Nebraska-Only Draw Games
Includes Nebraska Pick 5 and other state-specific draw games.
Retailer Portal (Retailer Wizard)
Online system for retailers to manage inventory, sales reports, and promotions.
WAGER Database
Platform for intercepting lottery winnings to satisfy state debts and tax liabilities, implemented 2026.
Charitable Gaming Licenses
Regulatory framework for bingo, pickle cards, raffles, and other games conducted by nonprofit organizations.
Key Persons
Brian RockeyDirector of Lottery and Charitable Gaming
Notable past members
- Brian Rockey — Marketing Manager