MADISON, Wis. -- A state employee who works as the attorney for the Gaming Division was paid more than $26,000 in mileage and other expenses the past three years.

A Legislative Audit Bureau report released Tuesday showed that the attorney was allowed to live in Chicago and claim that as his office. He was then paid to commute to work in Madison and reimbursed for mileage between his home and the division's office and for food and lodging while in Madison.

The audit said that arrangement has been in place since at least 2003.

The audit said that officials within the department believe the experience and specialized knowledge of the employee warrants what the audit bureau called an "unusual arrangement."

The Gaming Division said it would cost the state much more if it contracted legal services elsewhere.

The audit also showed the amount of tribal profits from gaming decreased from $599.5 million in 2007 to $543.4 million in 2009.