The Virginia Lottery has been named a winner in the Richmond-Times Dispatch Top Workplaces for 2026. Officially launched in September 1988, the organization generates approximately $2.3 million each day to benefit K-12 public schools across the state. With a workforce of more than 400 employees, the lottery operates entirely on revenue it receives from popular games, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Bank a Million and Cash4Life; scratcher tickets; Print ’n Play; online games; and other promotions.
Below is a Q&A with Khalid Jones, executive director of the Virginia Lottery.
In just a few words, how would you describe what is special about your business?
For nearly 38 years, the Virginia Lottery has served adult Virginians while generating vital revenue for the Commonwealth. In 1999, that purpose was further defined with the creation of the Lottery Proceeds Fund, ensuring that 100% of our profits directly support K‑12 public education. As our role expanded in 2020 to include the regulation of casinos and sports wagering, so did our impact through tax collection, which helps deliver additional resources for important statewide initiatives.
What truly sets us apart is the meaning behind our work. Every day, our team comes to work knowing that what we do goes far beyond fun and games. We are helping invest in education and shaping Virginia’s future leaders.
How has being named a Top Workplace for 2026 impacted your business internally?
Being named a Top Workplace (again!) is incredibly exciting for the Virginia Lottery. Who doesn’t want to be the best of the best? Our employees truly take pride in the work they do each day to support our public schools and other important initiatives, but being honored publicly takes it to a whole new level.
Morale isn’t built solely through tangible rewards. It’s built when employees feel connected to a larger mission and know their contributions make a meaningful difference. When people are inspired to collaborate, grow and strive for excellence together, a stronger organization naturally follows.
How do you think this designation has helped you recruit and retain new talent?
Employee development is a critical component of any successful organization. You must be intentional about investing time, energy and resources in creating clear pathways to success while also fostering happiness, professional fulfillment and a healthy work-life balance. The focus needs to be on ensuring employees feel seen, heard and valued.
At the Virginia Lottery, we prioritize culture and leadership development in everything we do. I am a firm believer that if we build this into our DNA, employees will feel it. They want to stay and tell others what a great place the Lottery is to work.
What qualities do you believe make your business a Top Workplace?
The Virginia Lottery is built on five core values: Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration, Customer Focus, and Empowerment. These are not just words that are spoken or printed on a poster in a conference room. These are words employees live by. What I see each day is people who come to work not only excited about the next new and innovative idea, but also about how they can work together and support each other with a shared goal of success.
What are some things you have done internally to communicate about Top Workplaces to encourage participation across the organization?
We are quite familiar with the Top Workplace recognition. Honestly, it’s fairly easy year after year to encourage employees to participate in the survey process in the hopes of keeping our winning streak going. We are the Lottery, after all — we love winners!
From a workplace culture standpoint, what is something you are most proud of that you have implemented, or something unique that others outside your organization may not know?
One thing I think has impacted morale is Lottery Outreach, our volunteer program. We have several events throughout the year where our employees have the opportunity to give back to the communities in which we all live, work and play. We support many organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Feed More, Jill’s Blankets and so many others. An added benefit is that these opportunities also allow employees from all across the Commonwealth the chance to get out of the office, get to know people from other areas of the agency that they may not see every day and, quite simply, do good in the world.
For more information, please visit valottery.com.
