State Auditor Orders Audit at Ohio Lottery

The state auditor has ordered a performance audit of the Ohio Lottery over the uncertainties of gambling revenue, but the lottery has balked at the idea and asked that the idea be reconsidered.

"The proposed audit does not seem reasonable, necessary or a wise investment of public funds," Lottery Executive Director Kathleen Burke said in a letter mailed Saturday to Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor and released by the lottery on Monday.

"Accordingly, I respectfully ask that you reconsider your position on conducting this additional audit," Burke said.

There was no immediate response from Taylor. A message seeking comment was left Monday at her Columbus office.

Taylor had said the uncertain nature of gambling revenue — along with new legislation that allows for casinos in four Ohio cities — creates an "environment of heightened risk." She informed the lottery of the performance audit last week. It is separate from annual checks of financial statements.

The Plain Dealer reports that it will be the first such audit initiated by Taylor against the wishes of an agency not in financial trouble.

Burke said she discussed such an audit with Taylor's staff. But she felt advice on improving agency performance might be more useful if it came from a source with experience on gambling issues.

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