North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek has appointed Robert “Jason” Poole to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, adding an accounting and governance specialist to the nine-member gaming regulator.
Poole is a partner at accounting firm TRP Sumner and has more than two decades of experience in auditing, financial reporting, tax services and management consulting. His work has primarily involved small and medium-sized organizations across North Carolina.
He holds Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant credentials. Poole previously chaired the East Carolina University Board of Trustees and has held leadership positions with the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, including its advocacy council and foundation.
Boliek’s appointment was made under North Carolina Session Law 2026-41, which authorizes the State Auditor to select one member of the Lottery Commission. The wider commission also includes members appointed through the Governor and legislative leadership.
The appointment places Poole on the body responsible for adopting gaming rules, licensing market participants, monitoring compliance and enforcing state requirements. Its remit includes the North Carolina Education Lottery and the state’s regulated sports wagering sector.
North Carolina launched statewide online sports betting in March 2024. The market generated more than $287m in operator tax payments during its first two years, while cumulative wagers surpassed $15.3bn by June 2026.
Those results prompted legislators to consider higher operator taxes and additional reporting obligations as part of wider state revenue discussions.
The commission publishes monthly figures covering handle, winnings, gross wagering revenue and estimated tax proceeds. Its regulatory responsibilities have also grown to include licensing reviews, audit controls and monitoring of changes among approved sportsbook brands.
North Carolina State Auditor, Dave Boliek, said: “His expertise in accounting, governance, and fiscal oversight will be a solid asset to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.”
Poole said: “I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to uphold public trust and ensure there is accountability in gaming in North Carolina.”
North Carolina lawmakers previously moved to increase the sports betting revenue tax from 18% to 23%, with the change projected to generate an additional $37m for the state.
Poole served as Chair of the East Carolina University Board of Trustees from July 2023 to June 2025
