Franchot Raises Red Flag Over Lucrative "Closed Door" Slots Contracts

At the Board of Public Works meeting this week, Governor Martin O’Malley voted in favor of a State Lottery Agency proposal to spend up to $200 million for the purchase of gaming machines for the state’s slots program. The vote had been delayed because Comptroller Peter Franchot balked two weeks ago when the original contract would have allowed $800 million gaming industry procurements .

However, Franchot was still concerned about the “irregular” procurement process approved by O’Malley. As reported by Adam Kerlin of the Capital News Service: “’I’m speaking in your own defense, you don’t want this,’ Franchot said to the lottery’s representatives. ‘It’s a really toxic mix of things.’ Franchot has been opposed to any contract that allows the lottery to sign subcontracts with game manufacturers without approval from the Board of Public Works. He said the negotiations with ‘in the dumps’ gambling industry shouldn’t be made behind closed doors.” (To read the entire article, click here)

In light of these lucrative contracts that will now be awarded by the “irregular” procurement process behind closed doors, O’Malley should abide by the highest ethical standards in state government and not accept any campaign contributions from any gaming companies (and their officers) who are vying for or have secured contracts with the State Lottery Agency.