Gtech Protests Bid for New York VLT Contract

Lottery company and Turfway Park co-owner Gtech has objected to the way New York handled the bid for a video lottery operating contract, according to the Albany Times-Union.

Gtech was one of four companies seeking to operate a proposed network of video lottery terminals at eight racetracks, including Aqueduct and the Saratoga Equine Sports Center harness track.

Robert Vincent, a Gtech spokesman, said the company filed a protest June 7 because the technical capabilities of the bidders were rated before prices were considered. Gtech, based in Rhode Island, was never considered because its technical ability rated too low, even though the company runs the network for all other New York Division of Lottery games.

The winning bid was awarded to Multimedia Games of Austin, Texas.

Lottery spokeswoman Carolyn Hapeman told the Times-Union that Multimedia won the bid because of its superior technology and cost. Until the contract is negotiated, Hapeman said she could not discuss any details.

The other losing bidders, Sierra Design and Oneida Indian Nation's Standing Stone Gaming, are reportedly considering filing protests.