Emmanuel Bailey’s journey began in Washington, DC, where he was raised by a single mother in a city grappling with poverty and crime during the height of the drug epidemic. Despite these challenges, his mother instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. He became the first in his family to attend college, earning a BA in Business Management from Eastern Kentucky University and an Executive MBA from the University of Maryland.
Bailey started his career in the financial sector, rising from branch officer at Citizens Bank to vice president at Fannie Mae. After 25 years, he shifted focus to the lottery industry, founding Vital Services Contractors (VSC). His company specializes in managing state lottery operations, including oversight of retail systems, gaming equipment, and central gaming systems. Over time, he built VSC into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, becoming the only Black owner of a state lottery operation in the U.S., running the DC Lottery.
Bailey’s achievements include receiving the NASPL Powers Award in 2020, recognizing his innovative contributions to the industry. Beyond business, he remains committed to his community, donating extensively to local organizations supporting education, arts, and health programs. He also serves on various boards to further support DC initiatives.
Looking ahead, Bailey aims to expand VSC into new states while refining operations at the DC Lottery. He continues to prioritize creating opportunities for underprivileged youth and giving back to his community, with his proudest accomplishment being helping his mother retire.
