Corbett presented a "notice of award" to a United Kingdom-based company, Camelot Global Services, in advance of the hearing.

The union representing state workers, AFSCME, however has joined with seven Democratic lawmakers to file a lawsuit barring the outsourcing of the lottery.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, was among those legislators with concerns. He said he felt too many details remain unknown about the deal.

"Gov. Corbett's rush makes me uncomfortable," Schlossberg said. "Pennsylvania's seniors would be better served if the General Assembly properly vetted this proposal."

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, however, applauded the move.

"Revenue returns from the lottery have fluctuated significantly over the years," said Gene Barr, chamber president. "Long-term planning for Pennsylvania's large and growing senior citizen population requires more certainty about funding that will be available for property tax/rent rebate, shared ride and other programs – services that a greater number of older residents will rely on."

Barr said the chamber is also encouraged that Camelot expressed a commitment to retain as many existing lottery employees as possible, and to increase private-sector jobs in the commonwealth.

Other groups also chimed in, including the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

AARP Pennsylvania Advocacy Director Ray Landis said the plan must ensure predictable revenue streams and generate new resources for long-neglected home and community-based services programs serving older adults.