{"id":4431,"date":"2019-09-06T00:00:32","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T00:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casinous.com\/?p=4431"},"modified":"2020-04-15T12:47:17","modified_gmt":"2020-04-15T12:47:17","slug":"dc-lawmakers-questioning-intralot-gambling-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casinous.com\/dc-lawmakers-questioning-intralot-gambling-contract\/","title":{"rendered":"DC Lawmakers Questioning Intralot Gambling Contract"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paige<\/a> | September 6, 2019 | Updated on: April 15th, 2020<\/p>

An allegedly dodgy contract has been awarded to a Greek gambling operator, Intralot, in Washington DC. Instead of the usual bidding process, the operator was given the contract by the city. Of course, this goes against the law and two legislators are calling for an investigation. DC is planning to legalize sports betting later this year, but the contract is a stumbling block.<\/p>\n

Reportedly, Intralot\u2019s local partner, Veterans Services Corp (VSC), has no employees or executives involved in the management of the company. The Washington Post reported these findings along with proof of shady dealings. VSC will allegedly handle \u201cthe lion\u2019s share\u201d of local involvement under the public contract. Currently, DC\u2019s regulations require public contracts to subcontract to local businesses. The lottery contract was awarded 20 years ago, but there are claims that it is a shell company.<\/p>\n

\"DC<\/p>\n

<\/span>Intralot Owns Shell Company<\/span><\/h2>\n

However, the venture, called DC09, is completely funded by Intralot. This raises questions about whether or not the company is \u201clocal\u201d at all. For those unfamiliar with shell companies, these are defined as businesses created to hide money or transfer it between businesses. Most shell companies will appear legitimate without intense scrutiny. If Intralot is really pulling the strings, there\u2019s a chance of illegal dealings.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, DC09 stands up to investigations because it\u2019s run under Washington DC regulations and follows all protocols. VSC only counts as a DC company because it was registered to a house with a DC resident as the major shareholder.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Ownership Allegations<\/span><\/h2>\n

Robert C. White Jr. (D-At Large) and Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) are the two lawmakers demanding answers. Silverman was quoted by the Washington Post specifically:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is clear they are just a shell company,\u201d asserts Silverman in a request to DC Attorney General Karl Racine to investigate the company. \u201cI\u2019d like to know if the Intralot contract can be nullified or revisited, given what has been reported about its compliance with the CBE requirement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Any delays in legislation will be decided by the Attorney General before a decision can be made.<\/p>\n

Keep visiting CasinoUS.com for updates on this story and other casino news.<\/p>\n