The 2024 Lottery Industry Hall of Fame ceremony
The 2024 Lottery Industry Hall of Fame inductees
Congratulations to the five newest members of the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame
The 107 members of the PGRI Lottery Industry Hall of Fame have voted for and elected five industry leaders to be inducted into the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame for 2024. The Lottery Industry Hall of Fame was founded in 2005 as a means of honoring those who have done the most to promote excellence and integrity in our industry and make the world lottery industry the great success. The recipients of this award are all a credit to that ideal and are joining a select and distinguished group of world lottery industry professionals.
The Induction Ceremony to induct all five new members will be held at the World Lottery Summit in Paris:
Wednesday, October 23 17:00 – 17:45 (5:00 to 5:30 pm) Meeting room 252B (located on Level 2, Neuilly side)
Venue: Palais des Congrès de Paris Visit World-Lotteries.org for more info about the World Lottery Summit, the
biggest event in our industry held once every other year. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Visit LotteryIndustryHallofFame.com for info about the Lottery Industry Hall of Fame and its members. Thank you for your support of the Lottery Hall of Fame.
Bios of the Hall of Fame Inductees
Renato Ascoli
CEO Global Lottery, IGT
Renato Ascoli is a highly accomplished leader when it comes to identifying and navigating opportunities for success within the organization, as well as those across the entire lottery industry. He has served in high-level leadership positions encompassing nearly 20 years of lottery and gaming industry experience, leading multifaceted teams across global markets. In his current role, Renato is responsible for Global lottery and iLottery sales and operations, product and sales development, and technology and support for IGT’s 90-plus lottery customers worldwide. Since the merger of GTECH and IGT in 2015, Renato has successfully led both the Lottery and Gaming business units for the Company. His leadership was paramount in driving new business and innovation. A few key achievements during this time include, launching sports betting with the Rhode Island Lottery, winning a new 10-year contract to replace a competitor’s system in South Carolina, partnering with the Mississippi Lottery to begin operations, deploying lottery terminals in Walmart stores, and rolling out IGT’s proprietary Cash Pop™ draw game that’s now live in over 15 jurisdictions. With responsibility for one of the largest lotteries in the world, Renato also sustained the launch of the Gratta e Vinci (Scratch & Win) instant ticket brand in Italy. The first Gratta e Vinci concession was awarded in 2001, and the current Gratta e Vinci concession was awarded in 2010 and extended for a further nine years until September 30, 2028. Additionally, he was instrumental in gaining the exclusive Lotto concession in Italy with a consortium led by IGT, Lottoitalia S.r.l. The Italian Lotto, and its associated games 10eLotto and MillionDAY, are among the most popular and successful games in Italy, with annual ticket sales of about €8 billion. In addition to serving as IGT CEO Global Gaming from July 2020 to February 2024,
Renato previously served as General Manager of GTECH S.p.A. (formerly known as Lottomatica Group S.p.A. and Lottomatica S.p.A.) and President of GTECH Products and Services, where he was responsible for overseeing the design, development, and delivery of state-of-the-art platforms, products, and services. Renato had also served as Head of Italian Operations in which he was responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the Company’s Italian businesses. He joined GTECH S.p.A. in 2006 as Director of the Gaming division. Beyond the Global Lottery business unit,
Renato is a strong advocate for employees. He serves as a mentor to IGT’s next generation of leaders and serves as co-executive sponsor of PRIDE with IGT, an employee impact group supporting IGT’s LGBTQ+ community. Through his work with PRIDE, Renato helps fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace and promotes a safe, welcoming environment for IGT’s LGBTQ+ employees and allies. Getting back to his roots in lottery and poised with momentum and opportunity, Renato is now leading IGT’s Global Lottery division in the next evolution of success while the Company spins off its Global Gaming and Digital business to become a pure-play lottery business. Outside of IGT, Renato has recently gone back to one of his old passions: bridge.
Renato previously served as General Manager of GTECH S.p.A. (formerly known as Lottomatica Group S.p.A. and Lottomatica S.p.A.) and President of GTECH Products and Services, where he was responsible for overseeing the design, development, and delivery of state-of-the-art platforms, products, and services. Renato had also served as Head of Italian Operations in which he was responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the Company’s Italian businesses. He joined GTECH S.p.A. in 2006 as Director of the Gaming division. Beyond the Global Lottery business unit,
Renato is a strong advocate for employees. He serves as a mentor to IGT’s next generation of leaders and serves as co-executive sponsor of PRIDE with IGT, an employee impact group supporting IGT’s LGBTQ+ community. Through his work with PRIDE, Renato helps fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace and promotes a safe, welcoming environment for IGT’s LGBTQ+ employees and allies. Getting back to his roots in lottery and poised with momentum and opportunity, Renato is now leading IGT’s Global Lottery division in the next evolution of success while the Company spins off its Global Gaming and Digital business to become a pure-play lottery business. Outside of IGT, Renato has recently gone back to one of his old passions: bridge.
Paul Erickson
President and CEO, Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC)
President and CEO, Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC)
After serving as Interim President for ten months, Paul was appointed to lead
the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) in May of 2019.
Paul has had a remarkable career journey and trajectory. Paul is known as a
“lifer” in the lottery world because, beginning in 1987 at WCLC, he has spent
his whole career in this industry. He started out as a part time security officer
in lottery, over the years moved into IT, and was appointed to manage the
audit department in 1997. His role prior to his appointment as Interim
President was as Director, Risk and Compliance, where his portfolio of
responsibilities included IT Security, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance,
Internal Audit, and Player Protection. Paul also holds a number of professional
designations, including Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
In 2018 he became the CEO of WCLC. At the time, the business was doing well
and had been for many years. But there was also the pressing concern that the
business also needed to evolve to ensure it could continue to grow in a
changing marketplace.
Paul has also been active with Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) sub-
committees for many years, chairing both the Lottery Risk Assessment and
Common Standards teams. He has been a member of the ILC Executive
Committee since June 2018. Since stepping into the CEO role, Paul has also
been active in NASPL and the WLA.
WCLC conducts and manages lottery and select gaming-related activities for the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. WCLC's affairs are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of two representatives appointed by the government of each member province.
After serving as Interim President for ten months, Paul was appointed to lead
the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) in May of 2019.
Paul has had a remarkable career journey and trajectory. Paul is known as a
“lifer” in the lottery world because, beginning in 1987 at WCLC, he has spent
his whole career in this industry. He started out as a part time security officer
in lottery, over the years moved into IT, and was appointed to manage the
audit department in 1997. His role prior to his appointment as Interim
President was as Director, Risk and Compliance, where his portfolio of
responsibilities included IT Security, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance,
Internal Audit, and Player Protection. Paul also holds a number of professional
designations, including Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
In 2018 he became the CEO of WCLC. At the time, the business was doing well
and had been for many years. But there was also the pressing concern that the
business also needed to evolve to ensure it could continue to grow in a
changing marketplace.
Paul has also been active with Interprovincial Lottery Corporation (ILC) sub-
committees for many years, chairing both the Lottery Risk Assessment and
Common Standards teams. He has been a member of the ILC Executive
Committee since June 2018. Since stepping into the CEO role, Paul has also
been active in NASPL and the WLA.
WCLC conducts and manages lottery and select gaming-related activities for the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. WCLC's affairs are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of two representatives appointed by the government of each member province.
Jannie Haek, Chief Executive Officer, Loterie Nationale (Belgium)
Jannie Haek is currently the Chief Executive Officer of The National Lottery of
Belgium. Appointed as CEO in 2013, he has successfully led one of the most
innovative lottery operations in the world for more than a decade.
Jannie has been a longstanding and strong supporter of the lottery industry, as
an enthusiastic and thoughtful speaker, contributor and host at various
European and World Lottery Association conferences.
In 2019, Jannie led the Loterie Nationale Loterij (Belgium) in hosting the very successful European Lottery Congress in Antwerp with the theme of “The Success of Chance”, which was attended by more than 800 people. The Congress highlighted how the most innovative ideas come from “giving chance a chance”, and being prepared to respond to new opportunities as they present. This challenge to traditional thinking has been a fundamental part of Jannie’s leadership at the Lottery.
Most recently, Loterie Nationale Loterij (Belgium) hosted this year’s “Lotteries
in Europe: Safeguarding a Common Cultural Heritage for Society”, focusing on
the importance of lotteries for cultural heritage with emphasis on the need to
protect them as an integral part of our social fabric.
Jannie continues to serve our industry as a member of the Executive
Committee of both the World Lottery Association and the European Lottery Association. He is an energetic and passionate member of the Lottery Industry – committed to the lottery brand; delivering to the many communities which benefit from lottery proceeds. Prior to serving as CEO of the Lottery, Jannie was a Member of the Board and the Government’s Commissioner for the Lottery. In total, his tenure at the Lottery is over 21 years. As a longstanding and committed leader of The National Lottery of Belgium and contributor to the wider Lottery Industry,
Belgium. Appointed as CEO in 2013, he has successfully led one of the most
innovative lottery operations in the world for more than a decade.
Jannie has been a longstanding and strong supporter of the lottery industry, as
an enthusiastic and thoughtful speaker, contributor and host at various
European and World Lottery Association conferences.
In 2019, Jannie led the Loterie Nationale Loterij (Belgium) in hosting the very successful European Lottery Congress in Antwerp with the theme of “The Success of Chance”, which was attended by more than 800 people. The Congress highlighted how the most innovative ideas come from “giving chance a chance”, and being prepared to respond to new opportunities as they present. This challenge to traditional thinking has been a fundamental part of Jannie’s leadership at the Lottery.
Most recently, Loterie Nationale Loterij (Belgium) hosted this year’s “Lotteries
in Europe: Safeguarding a Common Cultural Heritage for Society”, focusing on
the importance of lotteries for cultural heritage with emphasis on the need to
protect them as an integral part of our social fabric.
Jannie continues to serve our industry as a member of the Executive
Committee of both the World Lottery Association and the European Lottery Association. He is an energetic and passionate member of the Lottery Industry – committed to the lottery brand; delivering to the many communities which benefit from lottery proceeds. Prior to serving as CEO of the Lottery, Jannie was a Member of the Board and the Government’s Commissioner for the Lottery. In total, his tenure at the Lottery is over 21 years. As a longstanding and committed leader of The National Lottery of Belgium and contributor to the wider Lottery Industry,
Nikοs Nikolakopoulos, Chief Executive Officer, INTRALOT GROUP
Nikos Nikolakopoulos is an Executive Member of the Board of Directors and CEO of the INTRALOT Group, while he serves as the Chairman and CEO of INTRALOT USA.
Following multiple roles in multinational technology companies, since 2007 he
has been immersed in the lottery industry, collaborating with the global
community of State Lotteries for over 17 years. In his role as CEO, Nikos guides INTRALOT's vision of Shaping the Future of Gaming and ensures sustainable growth that prioritizes stakeholder value, customer satisfaction, and employee well-being. Through his leadership at INTRALOT USA the last couple of years, Nikos built a robust organization that delivers innovative technology and services to 12 State Lotteries across the US. He has been instrumental in empowering
INTRALOT family to help each customer achieve responsible growth and secure
ongoing funding for public education and good causes.
Nikos began his INTRALOT journey in 2007 as Group Strategy Director,
spearheading the identification of growth opportunities and strategic
partnerships and acquisitions that would create synergies and propel the
company forward. Following this and leveraging his experience navigating
diverse global challenges, he has been appointed as the Group President Latin
America. Under his leadership within a period of five years, the region
experienced tremendous growth for INTRALOT and became the second most important region for the company. As an integral Executive of the growing portfolio of INTRALOT‘s B2B and B2C business, Nikos steadily ascended leadership ranks, rising from Group Chief Operating Officer, to Group Chief Commercial Officer, and finally to Group Deputy CEO and BοD member, overseeing Commercial, Operations and Product Divisions. During this 10-year tenure, Nikos was managing company operations on every continent, from the Americas to Asia and down under. He played a key role in establishing and supporting the launch of INTRALOT's technology and product portfolio, driving success in multiple operations, around the globe. Before joining INTRALOT, he held leading positions in multinational IT companies, including the INTRACOM Group, Microsoft, SingularLogic, and Bull. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the Athens University of Economics and Business and an MBA from La Verne University.
Following multiple roles in multinational technology companies, since 2007 he
has been immersed in the lottery industry, collaborating with the global
community of State Lotteries for over 17 years. In his role as CEO, Nikos guides INTRALOT's vision of Shaping the Future of Gaming and ensures sustainable growth that prioritizes stakeholder value, customer satisfaction, and employee well-being. Through his leadership at INTRALOT USA the last couple of years, Nikos built a robust organization that delivers innovative technology and services to 12 State Lotteries across the US. He has been instrumental in empowering
INTRALOT family to help each customer achieve responsible growth and secure
ongoing funding for public education and good causes.
Nikos began his INTRALOT journey in 2007 as Group Strategy Director,
spearheading the identification of growth opportunities and strategic
partnerships and acquisitions that would create synergies and propel the
company forward. Following this and leveraging his experience navigating
diverse global challenges, he has been appointed as the Group President Latin
America. Under his leadership within a period of five years, the region
experienced tremendous growth for INTRALOT and became the second most important region for the company. As an integral Executive of the growing portfolio of INTRALOT‘s B2B and B2C business, Nikos steadily ascended leadership ranks, rising from Group Chief Operating Officer, to Group Chief Commercial Officer, and finally to Group Deputy CEO and BοD member, overseeing Commercial, Operations and Product Divisions. During this 10-year tenure, Nikos was managing company operations on every continent, from the Americas to Asia and down under. He played a key role in establishing and supporting the launch of INTRALOT's technology and product portfolio, driving success in multiple operations, around the globe. Before joining INTRALOT, he held leading positions in multinational IT companies, including the INTRACOM Group, Microsoft, SingularLogic, and Bull. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the Athens University of Economics and Business and an MBA from La Verne University.
Sam Wakasugi
Vice President of Global Strategy, Scientific Games
Sam Wakasugi is an accomplished industry veteran with more than 40 years of
experience establishing and developing profitable operations for lotteries
worldwide.
As Vice President of Global Strategy for Scientific Games, he supports the
company’s worldwide strategy for new business opportunities and exploration
of new and under-maximized lottery markets. With broad experience in lottery
sales, marketing and operational leadership – and a well-known gold standard
for customer service excellence – Sam worked for the first 15 years of his
career on the government side of the business for Washington’s Lottery and as
director of the Arizona Lottery.
Joining Scientific Games in 1996, Sam played a major role in helping launch and
develop several U.S. and international lotteries, including the China Sports
Lottery, one of the largest and most successful instant game lottery start-ups
in history and most recently (Feb 2024) the SGEP Operation in support of the
UK National Lottery in partnership with Allwyn. In his career at SG, Sam
oversaw the Licensing business, managed the Scientific Games Enhanced
Partnership (SGEP) group, and oversaw the North American Sales Team and
the company’s Retail Solutions group.
In the span of his career, Sam’s had the unique opportunity to learn from some
of the greatest in the industry but has also mentored and been a great teacher
for many of his colleagues and lottery customers. His knowledge across all
aspects of the business has impacted the success of many lotteries in Scientific
Games’ network of global customers as well as the success of his teams and
contemporaries – just a few of the qualities that have positioned Sam as one of Scientific Games’ most respected leaders.
experience establishing and developing profitable operations for lotteries
worldwide.
As Vice President of Global Strategy for Scientific Games, he supports the
company’s worldwide strategy for new business opportunities and exploration
of new and under-maximized lottery markets. With broad experience in lottery
sales, marketing and operational leadership – and a well-known gold standard
for customer service excellence – Sam worked for the first 15 years of his
career on the government side of the business for Washington’s Lottery and as
director of the Arizona Lottery.
Joining Scientific Games in 1996, Sam played a major role in helping launch and
develop several U.S. and international lotteries, including the China Sports
Lottery, one of the largest and most successful instant game lottery start-ups
in history and most recently (Feb 2024) the SGEP Operation in support of the
UK National Lottery in partnership with Allwyn. In his career at SG, Sam
oversaw the Licensing business, managed the Scientific Games Enhanced
Partnership (SGEP) group, and oversaw the North American Sales Team and
the company’s Retail Solutions group.
In the span of his career, Sam’s had the unique opportunity to learn from some
of the greatest in the industry but has also mentored and been a great teacher
for many of his colleagues and lottery customers. His knowledge across all
aspects of the business has impacted the success of many lotteries in Scientific
Games’ network of global customers as well as the success of his teams and
contemporaries – just a few of the qualities that have positioned Sam as one of Scientific Games’ most respected leaders.