PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The Rhode Island Republican Party says it has filed a complaint with the state ethics commission against Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo over a proposed deal with the company that runs Rhode Island’s lottery.
Brandon Bell, special counsel for the party, said Wednesday he filed the complaint. He alleges Raimondo violated state law by negotiating and entering into a tentative agreement with International Game Technology to extend its services until 2043 without going through a competitive bid process.
Raimondo’s communications staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Raimondo and legislative leaders announced the proposed terms last month. Lawmakers will decide this fall whether to approve the 20-year contract extension with IGT.
It has been strongly criticized by the owner of Rhode Island’s casinos, Twin River Worldwide Holdings.
