Firms Battle Over Illinois Lottery Contract

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times: "Two politically connected firms in the running to reap a windfall if Gov. Blagojevich brings keno-style gambling to Illinois also are the lone bidders on a $17 million "lottery games distribution" deal to be awarded by March.

"Scientific Games Corp. and IGOR the Watchdog Corp., which both contribute to the Blagojevich campaign and employ lobbyists who have worked closely with the governor, are scheduled to present proposals to state lottery officials Thursday.

"Besides storing and delivering lottery tickets to about 7,000 retailers statewide, the bid calls for the winner to provide 'innovative and extensive marketing techniques at various levels' -- something that could have scared away other firms from bidding on the deal, critics say.

"…That issue -- plus the ties the two bidders have to Blagojevich -- prompted Franks to suggest that the lottery rebid the deal and eliminate its marketing component…"