Powerball Chairman Named

KANSAS – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Kansas Lottery Executive Director Ed Van Petten has been elected Chairman of the Powerball Group of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL). Van Petten was elected to the position by the 31 member lotteries that offer the Powerball game. His term started July 1, 2006, and will run for one year.

As chairman of the Powerball Group, Van Petten will oversee duties of the member lotteries that include the management and marketing of the brand; establishment of its budget; establishment of rules and policies; and approval of new membership.

Van Petten has been Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery since 2000. During those six years, sales have increased 28 percent, and more than $382 million in lottery revenue has been transferred to the state to be used for economic development and other programs. In fiscal year 2006, the Kansas Lottery set a new record, with $235 million in sales.

Prior to being appointed Executive Director, Van Petten was the Lottery's Deputy Executive Director. His career has also included appointments as Deputy Disciplinary Administrator for the State of Kansas; Deputy Attorney General, Chief of the Criminal Division; Associate General Counsel, Office of the Securities Commissioner; and Assistant Attorney General, Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Van Petten was elected County Attorney for Wabaunsee County, Kansas, and served in that capacity from 1981 to 1985. He also practiced law in the private sector.

Van Petten received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, and his Juris Doctorate in 1979 from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.

The Multi-State Lottery Association is a government-benefit, non-profit association entirely owned and operated by 31 member lotteries. Powerball is the association's best-known game. Other games sold through the association include Hot Lotto, 2by2 and Wild Card.