Florida Governor Rick Scott announced he will appeal Circuit Judge Karen Gievers’ ruling that state lottery officials did not have the legal authority to approve a 15-year, 0 million contract with IGT to operate the lottery. Last month House Speaker Richard Corcoran sued the state lottery secretary contending the contract is illegal because it surpasses the authorized budget in Florida. Gievers declared the contract with IGT was unenforceable and void, and stated a new contract would have to be written in which IGT would provide the lottery with a selection of services.
Attorneys for the lottery claimed the agency followed the current law since the contract is subject to state funding. Authorities will review Scott’s appeal and announce a decision within the next few weeks.
A House panel also approved a bill that include the label “Warning: Gambling can be addictive” on all lottery tickets. The sponsor of the bill, state Rep Jennifer Sullivan, said the activity is sanctioned by the government and therefore should have the same warning as found on cigarette packages. The bill now will go to the Florida Senate.
