Gov. Corbett Extends British Firm's Lottery Bid

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa., (CBS) -- Despite blistering criticism from state Democrats, Governor Corbett has decided to once again extend the bid by a British-based firm to manage the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Even before the latest bid extension was announced, the State Treasurer and Auditor General – both Democrats, and the Treasurer a candidate for Governor – weighed in against the Lottery privatization bid (see related story). But Corbett spokesman Jay Pagni says the governor remains convinced that the bid by Camelot Global Services represents the better chance for Lottery revenues to keep pace with the growing demand for senior services funded by those revenues.

"Older Pennsylvanians deserve every effort put forth to secure a reliable funding stream," Pagni said.

The Attorney General has already declared that the Governor's effort to unilaterally privatize lottery management violates the state constitution; Pagni says the new extension, good through the end of the year, will allow time to "pursue legislative efforts" to address the issue.