Sunflower State News

The Kansas Lottery has announced that its Executive Director, Stephen Durrell, has been inducted into the Public Gaming Research Institute's 2025 Lottery Industry Hall of Fame. This recognition honors his leadership and contributions to the gaming industry in Kansas and nationwide.

Durrell's career spans over two decades with the State of Kansas, starting as an Assistant Attorney General at the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission before becoming General Counsel for the Kansas Lottery. In 2018, Governor Laura Kelly appointed him as Executive Director. Under his leadership, the lottery system was modernized, leading to record sales and increased state program funding.

Governor Laura Kelly praised Durrell’s impact on the Kansas Lottery: “Stephen Durrell has brought remarkable vision, passion, and energy to the Kansas Lottery,” she said. His tenure saw initiatives like legal sports wagering in 2022 and online lottery sales through iLottery in early 2025.

Durrell expressed gratitude for his colleagues' support: “Since becoming Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery in 2018... I have tried to make our Lottery as successful and secure as possible," he stated.

Throughout his career, Durrell has participated actively in national lottery committees. He chaired both the Multi-State Lottery Association’s Security and Integrity Committee and its Legal Committee.

His efforts transformed the Kansas Lottery into an entertainment-driven agency by forming partnerships with sports franchises, movie studios, and retailers. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to lottery industry growth and integrity.

The Kansas Lottery generates revenue for state programs through various gaming activities. Since its inception in 1987, it has provided over $2 billion to support state initiatives while promoting responsible gaming practices.