Public Gaming Research Institute (PGRI, Inc.)

History and Founding

The Public Gaming Research Institute was founded in June 1971, though no specific founder is named in public sources. The company has been run by CEO Paul Jason for many years, and it has maintained a consistent focus on the government-sponsored gaming industry, particularly lotteries, since its inception.

Business Model

PGRI operates as a B2B publisher and conference organizer. It does not develop or sell gaming technology; instead, it provides impartial news, analysis, and thought leadership. Its revenue streams include print and digital subscriptions, advertising in its magazines and digital newsletters, and registration fees for its two annual conferences. The company is privately held with no known venture capital or external funding, suggesting full independence.

Products and Platforms

PGRI’s product suite spans print, digital, and events. Print publications include the flagship Public Gaming Magazine (since 1973), Public Gaming International Magazine, The Lottery Journal, and Casino Gaming Magazine. Digital offerings include a daily news digest, the weekly e‑newsletter The Morning Report, and the video portal PGRITALKS.com. The company also maintains two websites: publicgaming.com (news and resources) and publicgaming.org (institutional information). These platforms feature in‑depth interviews, legal and political analysis, and coverage of worldwide regulatory developments.

Conferences

PGRI organizes two major events: the SMART‑Tech Annual Spring Conference in New York City and the LOTTERY EXPO Annual Fall Conference, typically held in Miami. The 2026 LOTTERY EXPO will take place in Nashville, co‑hosted with the Tennessee Lottery. These conferences attract lottery executives, regulators, and vendors from around the world, serving as key networking and educational forums for the industry.

Leadership and Market Position

Paul Jason is the Chief Executive Officer, confirmed via his LinkedIn profile. No other C‑level executives are publicly listed. PGRI holds a unique niche as the only dedicated media and conference company focused exclusively on government‑sponsored gaming. It competes indirectly with broader gaming trade publications and event organizers but remains the dominant voice in the lottery segment.

Recent Developments and Strategic Direction

PGRI continues to expand its digital footprint, exemplified by the launch of PGRITALKS.com and the daily news digest. The shift to Nashville for LOTTERY EXPO 2026 indicates responsiveness to industry dynamics and host partnerships. The company’s long‑standing presence—over 50 years—underscores its stability and trusted position within the sector.