Italian firm's takeover of state lotto operator angers lawmakers Lottery director stands by decision to OK $4.7 billion merger; says it will be business as usual. SACRAMENTO - An Italian company with a blemished history quietly purchased a U.S. firm that runs lotto and other online games in California and 24 other states - a development that has surprised and angered California lawmakers into action. But the state lottery's acting director is standing by her decision to approve California's part in the $4.7 billion merger, as the lottery and its online operator, GTECH, reassure critics it will be business as...