Illinois lottery bidder outlines some of plan

CHICAGO

A private company bidding to manage Illinois' lottery says it would lessen the games' reliance on low-income residents and award 20 percent of contracts to firms owned by women, minorities and the disabled.

Camelot Illinois is one of two finalists for a first-of-its kind contract to manage the state's lottery. The other is Northstar Lottery Group, a partnership of three companies that currently hold Illinois Lottery contracts.

Final proposals were due Friday.

Camelot says it would increase revenue and draw a more diverse group of players with initiatives that include Internet sales.

The company says it'd also donate up to $35 million over 10 years to a foundation that would award educational grants, in addition to money schools receive from the lottery.

Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to pick a winner Sept. 15.