Governor Ted Strickland had said that Ohio would gain $73 million a year by launching Keno based on the experience of neighboring states that have Keno, such as Michigan and West Virginia.

But, as it turns out the figure that he gave came directly didn't exactly come from other states experience but from a report from one of Ohio's Lottery's top two main vendors. GTECH Corp. a company based in Rhode Island could gain millions from Keno, and has been lobbying Ohio officials to add Keno since at least 2002.

GTECH has in their employ one of the most prominent lobbying firms, the Success Group. The Success Group principals have given Strickland thousands of dollars and once was headed by Strikland's cabinet secretary.

This web of connections has nothing to do with Strickland's decision to add Keno or help out GTECH but to avoid cuts to public education by adding a new revenue source said Strickland spokesman Keith Dailey.

Strickland announced the plan while outlining $773 million in spending cuts and other reductions in anticipation of a faltering state economy, but critics quickly denounced his plan saying it would push the lottery into casino territory.











- 2008-02-13