National Center for Responsible Gaming Adds Council Member

RICHMOND, Virginia – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Virginia Lottery Executive Director Penelope W. Kyle has been named to the new advisory council of the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG). The NCRG is the only national organization devoted exclusively to educating the public about gambling disorders and funding peer-reviewed research on the issue. The advisory council will provide tactical and financial support to the NCRG.

"I am eager to put my long experience in the lottery industry to work in helping people learn more about gambling disorders," said Kyle. "I hope to help the NCRG promote responsible gaming among lottery players and show people how unbiased scientific research is helping us better identify, treat and help those suffering from gambling disorders."

Kyle, who has served as the Lottery's Executive Director since 1994, is a former vice president of CSX Corporation. She earned a law degree from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in business administration from The College of William and Mary. She is also a past president of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, an association representing 47 lottery organizations throughout North America.

"More people play the lottery than any other form of gambling in the United States," said Dennis Eckart, chairman of the NCRG. "It has long been our mission to expand the reach of the NCRG, and Ms. Kyle's expertise in this arena will help us develop more well-rounded education programs and better reach this critical population with our responsible gaming message."

All profits from the Virginia Lottery go to K-12 public school education in the Commonwealth. In fiscal year 2004 the Lottery turned over more than $408 million for Virginia's public schools.