Northstar Lottery Group is a big winner with the Illinois state lottery.

Northstar beat out Camelot Group for a ten-year contract as private manager of Illinois’ $2 billion lottery.

Illinois lottery superintendent Jodie Winnett says they chose Northstar because the group could deliver on all state’s requirements.

WINETTE: Growing the customer base, commitment to responsible gaming, management experience and past performance.

The move has critics. State Representative Jack Franks says it should be illegal for Northstar to be the Illinois lottery’s private manager. He says Northstar already holds state contracts for lottery machines and instant tickets.