To the Editor:

Illinoisans are being hoodwinked in a bait and switch perpetrated by Northstar Lottery Group. In September 2010, Northstar promised $825 million in payments to the state as agreed with Gov. Pat Quinn in an effort to privatize Illinois’ lottery system. At the end of this fiscal year, Northstar is $100 million short of its original payment promise to taxpayers.

Effectively, Northstar faces losing its performance bonus unless the state grants the lottery group $119 million in concessions in addition to $19 million that Rep. Jack Franks uncovered.