Arkansas lawmakers have approved extending the state lottery's contact with its vendor for draw games through 2019, but the move faces questions about its validity since less than half of the legislative panel was present.
The Arkansas Lottery Commission Legislative Oversight Committee on Thursday wrapped up its review of the lottery's contract with Greece-based Intralot Inc. The pact extends the vendor's agreement with the game through August 14, 2019.
Lottery officials say the new contract will reduce the games' payments to the vendor by nearly $5 million.
Only three members of the 11-member panel were present for the vote. Republican Sen. Jimmy Hickey, a member of the panel, says he's asking legislative staff whether the vote was valid since a quorum wasn't present.
