Plan to privatize Pa. Lottery still in the works

After months of behind the scenes work, Gov. Tom Corbett’s office is still reviewing one British company’s bid on the Pennsylvania Lottery. after months of behind the scenes work.

Privatization could mean expanding the lottery to include keno drawings and online gaming.

Corbett downplays his misgivings about gambling when discussing its potential expansion in the state.

“The question is, is there more gambling? Yes. Is there a benefit to it? Yes. Am I concerned about gambling addiction? Yes,” he said. “But it is going on. And I’m looking at … can we get more revenue for senior projects, for senior programs.”

Democrats have criticized the manner in which the Corbett administration has explored leasing the state’s lottery operations to a private firm.

When only one company made a bid on the lottery, some accused the administration of setting up a “sweetheart deal.”

The bid is under review.

Corbett says his office sought competition, and he doesn’t have an answer to why there was only one bidder.