The Montana Lottery announced it has awarded its gaming system contract to the longtime incumbent vendor, marking the end of a turbulent process that drew attention and some controversy over much of the last year.

Intralot, Inc., a Greek-based company and the Montana Lottery’s largest contractor for the last 20 years, will retain its business here, lottery officials said at a commission meeting last week.

"It looks like the lottery got a heck of a deal," Lottery Commission Chair Leo Prigge said during the meeting.

The contract is for seven years, with a possible extension for a total 10-year agreement.

The unanimous decision, accompanied with some relief, followed months of suspicion at a state agency where perception of fairness is everything. Last December, commissioners were passive

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