SALEM, Ore. - Three top officials are out of a job at the Oregon Lottery, and the agency isn't saying why. It comes as the Lottery deals with criticism over a controversial initiative to expand the Lottery's online presence.
The Oregon Lottery was just weeks away from unveiling a new website called the ORcade. It was to feature slick graphics that could appeal to a younger audience, and the chance to win money by registering used scratch-off tickets.
The online portal would have also allowed players to play video games and use social media features. But the project stalled over concerns that the website would attract children.
After a story in the Oregonian, Governor John Kitzhaber asked the Lottery last month to put the ORcade on hold. Now, three top officials at the agency have resigned with no explanation: Retail director Tim Eaton, marketing manager Carole Hardy, and public affairs director Mary Loftin.
An internal memo from Lottery Director Larry Niswender told Lottery employees that the agency needed to make some, "strategic changes" that would "increase efficiency, accountability and teamwork."
On the Web:
Lottery Director's memo:
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/72963173?access_key=key-chnw7p9ukmzltcelja9
Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network
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