Hoping to draw in more players and generate additional revenue, Illinois officials want a private company to run its lottery system. The state would be the first in the nation to farm out its lottery operations, which include developing games, dispense tickets, and running marketing and advertising. Consumer advocates are urging evaluators to take caution about what company they select to run the system. From a Citizen Action/Illinois press release:

“Whether hiring a private company to manage the Illinois lottery will improve its performance or increase revenue to the state remains to be seen,” said [Lynda] DeLaforgue. “That’s why we urge the Governor and other officials to ensure that the company selected for Illinois demonstrates the highest ethical standards and a solid history of operational success. If it doesn’t, that’s putting Illinois and its residents at financial risk.”