<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.4

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of January 15, 1999, by and between
GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and STEVEN
P. NOWICK ("Executive").

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the services of Executive on the
terms and conditions provided in this Agreement; and

         WHEREAS, Executive, understanding and accepting the terms and
conditions of employment set forth herein, desires to render such services on
such terms and conditions.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
covenants herein contained, the parties hereto hereby covenant and agree as
follows:

         1.       DEFINITIONS.

                  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise
defined herein shall have the following meanings:

         "ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended to date.

         "AFFILIATE" shall mean any joint venture or other entity in which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries has an equity interest of at least 20%.

         "BASE SALARY" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

         "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

         "CAUSE" means any of the following:

                  (i)      any willful failure by Executive to substantially
                           perform his employment duties as described in Section
                           4 hereof;

                  (ii)     Executive's engaging in serious misconduct which is
                           materially injurious to the Company;

                  (iii)    any material breach by Executive of any of the terms
                           of Section 10, 11 or 14(a) hereof;

                  (iv)     Executive's having been convicted of, or pleading
                           nolo contendere to, a felony, crime of moral
                           turpitude or a gambling-related offense; or



                                       -1-
<PAGE>   2
                  (v)      Executive's abuse of illegal drugs or other
                           controlled substances or his habitual intoxication.

         "CHANGE IN CONTROL" means the happening of any of the following:

                  (i)      the members of the Board at the beginning of any
                           consecutive twenty-four calendar month period (the
                           "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason other
                           than due to death to constitute at least a majority
                           of the members of the Board, provided that any
                           director whose election, or nomination for election
                           by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote
                           of at least a majority of the members of the Board
                           then still in office who were members of the Board at
                           the beginning of such twenty-four calendar month
                           period, shall be deemed an Incumbent Director;

                  (ii)     any "person," including a "group" (as such terms are
                           used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act, but
                           excluding the Company, any of its Affiliates, or any
                           employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its
                           Affiliates) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
                           defined in Rule 13(d)(3) under the Act), directly or
                           indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
                           the greater of 30% or more of the combined voting
                           power of the Company's then outstanding securities;

                  (iii)    the stockholders of the Company shall approve a
                           definitive agreement (1) for the merger or other
                           business combination of the Company with or into
                           another corporation if (A) a majority of the
                           directors of the surviving corporation were not
                           directors of the Company immediately prior to the
                           effective date of such merger or (B) the stockholders
                           of the Company immediately prior to the effective
                           date of such merger own less than 50% of the combined
                           voting power in the then outstanding securities in
                           such surviving corporation or (2) for the sale or
                           other disposition of all or substantially all of the
                           assets of the Company; or

                  (iv)     the purchase of 30% or more of the Stock pursuant to
                           any tender or exchange offer made by any "person,"
                           including a "group" (as such terms are used in
                           Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act), other than the
                           Company, any of its Affiliates, or any employee
                           benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT" means the Agreement between Executive and
the Company, in the form of Exhibit A hereof, which shall be entered into
pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
         "CHANGE OF CONTROL DATE" means the date on which a Change in Control
occurs, provided however that if a Change in Control occurs and if Executive's
employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change
in Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by Executive that such
termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who has taken
steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control or (ii) otherwise
arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change in Control, then the
"Change of Control Date" shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of
such termination of employment.

         "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         "COMMITTEE" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

         "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Company.

         "COMPANY" means GTECH Holdings Corporation and any successor thereto.

         "DISABILITY" shall mean permanent and total disability as determined
under the Company's long term disability program.

         "EFFECTIVE DATE" means July 11, 1997.

         "EXECUTIVE" means Steven P. Nowick.

         "GOOD REASON" means any of the following events:

                  (i)      the assignment to Executive of any duties
                           inconsistent, in a material respect, with the scope
                           of authority, duties and responsibilities of
                           Executive's position as provided in Section 4(b)
                           hereof (including the office to which he reports,
                           status, offices and titles but excluding any such
                           inconsistency that results primarily by reason of a
                           substantial increase or reduction in the size of the
                           Company or other substantial change in the character
                           or scope of the Company's operations and excluding
                           any interim relieving of Executive's duties pursuant
                           to Section 7(b) hereof);

                  (ii)     a material reduction in the compensation and benefits
                           to which Executive has a right hereunder, but
                           excluding any such reduction pursuant to Section 6(f)
                           hereof other than a reduction which is greater than
                           ten percent (10%) of Base Salary or longer than one
                           year in duration;

                  (iii)    a reduction in the title of Executive after March
                           1998 from that of Chief Operating Officer of the
                           Company; or

                  (iv)     any material breach by the Company of the terms of
                           this Agreement.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
         "LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9(c)
hereof.

         "MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE BONUS" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(c)
hereof.

         "MEDICAL COVERAGE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9(c) hereof.

         "1994 PLAN" means the Company's 1994 Stock Option Plan, as amended from
time to time.

         "1997 PLAN" means the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended from
time to time.

         "RETIREMENT" means retirement from active employment with the Company
with the express consent of the Board or in accordance with the retirement
policies of the Company.

         "TERM" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) hereof.

         2.       EMPLOYMENT.

                  The Company hereby agrees to employ and retain Executive, and
Executive agrees to be employed and retained by the Company, to render services
to the Company and its subsidiaries, Affiliates and divisions for the period, at
the rate of compensation and upon the other terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement.

         3.       TERM.

                  (a) The term of Executive's employment under this Agreement
shall commence on the Effective Date, and, subject to earlier termination as
provided in Section 8 hereof, shall continue for an initial term ending February
28, 2001 (the "Term"). On March 1, 2001, and on each subsequent March 1, the
Term shall automatically be extended through the last day of February of the
next succeeding calendar year, unless either party gives written notice to the
other, at least 180 days prior to said March 1, that it or he does not wish so
to extend the Term. (For example, on March 1, 2001, the Term shall automatically
be extended through February 28, 2002, unless either party has notified the
other not later than September 1, 2000 that such party does not wish to extend
the term, in which case the Term would end February 28, 2001). The initial Term
and any extended Term are subject to earlier termination as hereinafter provided
in Section 8 hereof, and the compensation, benefits, etc., if any, payable upon
termination shall be as set forth in Section 9 hereof.

                  (b) Simultaneously herewith, the Company and Executive shall
enter into an Agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereof (the "Change of Control
Agreement") which, subject to the following, shall provide the terms and
conditions respecting the Company's employment of Executive from and after the
Change of Control Date. Accordingly, in the event of a Change 




                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
of Control occurring during the Term, this Agreement shall terminate with effect
from the commencement of the Change of Control Date and the terms and conditions
governing the Company's employment of Executive shall be set forth in the Change
of Control Agreement. The termination of this Agreement in such circumstances
shall not be deemed to be the expiration or termination of Executive's Term of
Employment within the meaning of this Agreement and Executive shall have no
right to any compensation or benefit under Section 9 hereof by virtue of such
Change of Control. Notwithstanding the above, if, after a Change of Control, a
court having jurisdiction finds that the Change of Control Agreement is
unenforceable in whole or in part, then the Change of Control Agreement, and the
preceding sentence of Section 3(b) of this Agreement, shall be deemed to have
been null and void and without force or effect ab initio, in which case the
terms and conditions governing the Company's employment of Executive during the
Term shall be as set forth in this Agreement without reference to the Change of
Control Agreement.

         4.       POSITION AND DUTIES.

                  (a) Position. During the Term, Executive shall be retained and
shall serve as Senior Vice President and, commencing in March 1998, the Chief
Operating Officer of the Company and shall be a corporate officer of the
Company. Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. During the Term, Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as a
senior executive officer and/or director of any subsidiary or Affiliate of the
Company.

                  (b) Duties. During the Term, Executive shall have the
authority and power to perform such duties consistent with those of the Senior
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and shall not be required without his
consent to undertake responsibilities not commensurate with his position.

                  Executive shall comply fully and promptly with the various
policies, procedures and rules governing employees promulgated and/or as amended
from time to time by the Company and any applicable subsidiary or Affiliate of
the Company (including, without limitation, the Company's Ethical Conduct and
Conflicts of Interest Policy and Government Relations Policy) and with any
applicable disclosure and other requirements of any governmental authority and
of any other entity with which the Company, its subsidiaries and Affiliates are
doing or propose to do business. Except for illness, vacations and holidays in
accordance with then-current Company policy, Executive shall devote his full
business time, attention, skill, undivided loyalty and best efforts to the
faithful performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however, that Executive
may (i) with the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, serve on corporate,
civic and charitable boards and committees, (ii) deliver lectures and fulfill
speaking engagements, and (iii) manage personal investments, so long as such
activities do not interfere with the performance of Executive's
responsibilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall be permitted to
continue to serve on Boards of Directors of other entities with the approval of
the Chief Executive Officer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.




                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
                  (c) Principal Place of Employment. Executive's principal place
of employment shall be at the Company's principal offices (currently located in
West Greenwich, Rhode Island) or at such other location as the Company hereafter
reasonably may require. Executive agrees to reside within reasonable daily
commuting distance by car of such offices.

         5.       COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.

                  (a) Base Salary. For all services rendered by Executive in all
capacities with the Company, its subsidiaries and Affiliates during the Term,
the Company shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive as compensation a salary
at an annual rate of $325,000 from the Effective Date through February 28, 1998
and at an annual rate of $360,000 commencing on March 1, 1998 (the "Base
Salary"), payable in equal installments not less frequently than monthly. The
Base Salary shall be increased on March 1, 1999, and each annual anniversary
thereof (the "Annual Adjustment Date") during the Term at a rate equal to the
annual rate of increase, if any, in the All Cities Consumer Price Index for
Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers ("CP1-W") as published by the United
States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, at the close of the
calendar year immediately preceding the applicable Annual Adjustment Date. The
Base Salary also shall be subject to possible further increase from time to time
in the sole discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board
or another Committee of the Board designated for such purpose (the "Committee")
and the Chief Executive Officer. The Base Salary shall not be subject to
decrease except as provided in Section 6(f) hereof.

                  (b) Special Bonuses. In consideration of Executive's entering
into this Agreement, the Company paid to Executive during fiscal 1998 a one-time
bonus of $75,000.

                  (c) Management Incentive Bonus. With respect to each fiscal
year of the Company during the Term commencing with fiscal year 1999 (i.e. the
year ending February 28, 1999), Executive shall be eligible to earn a management
incentive bonus of up to a maximum of 200% of Executive's Base Salary for such
fiscal year (the "Management Incentive Bonus"). The amount of the Management
Incentive Bonus for a given fiscal year shall be determined based upon: (x) the
achievement by Executive of certain specified management objectives mutually
developed and agreed to by the Chief Executive Officer and Executive for such
fiscal year (the "MBOs"), and (y) the achievement by the Company of the
Company's business plan for such fiscal year (the "Business Plan"). If Executive
achieves his MBOs for a given fiscal year and the Company also achieves its
Business Plan for such fiscal year, then Executive will receive a Management
Incentive Bonus equal to: (xx) 100% of his Base Salary for such fiscal year
plus, (yy) to the extent the MBOs and the Business Plan were exceeded for such
fiscal year, such additional amounts as the Chief Executive Officer and
Committee may in their sole discretion decide, up to a maximum aggregate
Management Incentive Bonus of 200% of Executive's Base Salary. In all
circumstances not described in the preceding sentence, the decision as to
whether to award Executive a Management Incentive Bonus with respect to a fiscal
year and the amount of the Management Incentive Bonus, if so awarded, shall be
made in the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer and the Committee.
Any Management Incentive Bonus which Executive is awarded hereunder shall be
paid at the time executive bonuses customarily are paid 




                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
by the Company, but in no event later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year with respect to which such Management Incentive Bonus is payable.

                  (d) Certain Requirements. Notwithstanding anything contained
in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive shall not be entitled to any
Management Incentive Bonus for a given fiscal year, if his employment hereunder
has terminated for any reason prior to the end of such fiscal year.

                  (e) Reimbursement of Expenses. Consistent with the Company's
established policies, the Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all
reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of Executive incurred by
Executive in performing his duties hereunder upon receipt of written
substantiation of such expenses.

         6.       BENEFITS.

                  (a) Other Arrangements. The payments provided in Section 5
hereof are in addition to any benefits to which Executive may be, or may become,
entitled under any benefit plan, program or arrangement (excluding any increase
in salaries, generally) of the Company for which senior executives are or may
become eligible.

                  (b) Benefits. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
Executive shall be entitled to receive, during the Term, benefits at least at
the level provided generally to other senior executives under any such benefit
plan, program or arrangement, subject, to Executive's meeting the eligibility
requirements of such plans, programs or arrangements, and in the case of benefit
plans, programs or arrangements providing for discretionary grants or awards, to
the discretion of the Board or applicable Committee.

                  (c) Stock Options. On July 11, 1997, the Company granted to
Executive options to purchase 130,000 shares of Common Stock under the Company's
1994 Stock Option Plan (the "1994 Plan"); and on March 9, 1998, the Company
granted to Executive options to purchase 60,000 shares of Common Stock under the
Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan"). Further, assuming the Term
has not been terminated, the Executive shall be eligible, commencing in March
1999 and annually thereafter, to receive in each such year an additional grant
of options to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Company's 1997 Plan, or
any successor plan to the 1997 Plan, such additional grants to be made, in the
discretion of management and the Committee, on the basis of individual and
Company performance. Each time Executive receives a grant of stock options
pursuant to this Section 6(c), he shall be asked and shall agree to enter into
the Company's standard Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (the "Option
Agreement") which shall set forth the terms and conditions governing the grant
and exercise of the Options including such terms as are set forth in this
Section 6(c). The terms and provisions of the options provided for in this
subsection (c) shall be essentially as set forth in Appendix A hereto.




                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
                  (d) Deferred Compensation Arrangements. Executive shall be
entitled to participate in the Company's Income Deferral Plan 1998 (as amended
from time to time, the "Income Deferral Plan"). The Company shall contribute
$364,933.33 to the Income Deferral Plan for the account of Executive promptly
upon establishment of the Income Deferral Plan.

                  (e) Certain Specific Benefits and Arrangements. Without
limiting the generality of subsection (a) and (b) above (except as may otherwise
be specified in Appendix B hereto), Executive shall be entitled to the specific
benefits and arrangements set forth in Appendix B hereto.

                  (f) Possible Reduction. Notwithstanding anything contained in
this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have the right to reduce or
defer prospectively the compensation and benefits provided to or for Executive,
as in effect from time to time, pursuant to an across-the-board compensation
and/or benefit reduction or deferral program similarly affecting all senior
executive officers of the Company.

         7.       BENEFITS PAYABLE DURING TERM UPON DISABILITY.

                  (a) Disability Benefits. In the event of Disability of
Executive during the Term of his employment hereunder, the Company shall
continue to pay Executive the compensation and extend to him the benefits
provided in Sections 5 and 6 hereof during the period of Disability, subject to
Section 9(g) hereof and to the extent permitted by applicable law, provided that
in the event of Executive's Disability for an aggregate period of time exceeding
150 calendar days in any 12 consecutive month period during the Term, the
Company, at its election, may terminate the Term of Executive's employment.

                  (b) Services During Disability. During the Term,
notwithstanding any Disability, Executive shall, to the extent that he is
physically and mentally able to do so, furnish information and assistance to the
Company, and, in addition, upon the reasonable request in writing on behalf of
the Board, or a senior executive officer designated by the Board, from time to
time, he shall make himself available to the Company, its subsidiaries and
Affiliates to undertake reasonable assignments consistent with his position and
his physical and mental health. During such period of service, he shall be
responsible and report to, and shall be subject to the supervision of the Board,
or a senior executive officer designated by the Board, as to the method and
manner in which he shall perform such assignments and shall keep the Board, or
such senior executive officer, as the case may be, appropriately informed of his
progress in each such assignment.

         8.       TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) Expiration and Earlier Termination. Executive's Term of
employment shall terminate upon expiration of the Term and shall be subject to
earlier termination:

                           (i)      upon the death or Retirement of Executive;




                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
                           (ii)     at the election of the Company in the event
                                    of Executive's Disability (as provided in
                                    Section 7(a) hereof);

                           (iii)    upon discharge of Executive by the Company
                                    for Cause or resignation of Executive other
                                    than for Good Reason; and

                           (iv)     upon discharge of Executive without Cause or
                                    Executive's resignation for Good Reason.

As provided in Section 3(b) hereof, this Agreement shall terminate in the event
of a Change of Control in which event the terms of Executive's employment shall
be governed by the Change of Control Agreement. The termination of this
Agreement in such circumstances shall not be deemed to be the expiration or
termination of Executive's Term of Employment within the meaning of this
Agreement and Executive shall have no right to any compensation or benefit under
Section 9 hereof by virtue of such Change of Control.

                  (b) Certain Obligations of the Company. The Company shall give
the Executive not less than 60 days prior written notice of any intended
termination of Executive's employment by the Company for Cause for any reason
described in clause (i) or (iii) of the definition of Cause or without Cause. In
the event of a proposed termination for Cause for any reason described in clause
(i) or (iii) of the definition of Cause, such notice shall specify the grounds
for such termination, and the Company shall only be entitled to terminate the
Executive for such Cause if the Executive shall have failed to cure the grounds
for such termination within said 60-day notice period. Subject to providing such
opportunity to cure as may be required by the preceding sentence, after giving
such notice, the Company may relieve Executive of his duties on an interim basis
until such time as Executive shall have cured the grounds for termination if
cure is permitted or Executive's employment shall have been terminated and
Executive shall have been permanently relieved of his duties. The Company may
immediately terminate Executive's employment by written notice in the event of
the occurrence of any of the events set forth in clauses (ii), (iv) or (v) of
the definition of Cause in Section 1 hereof.

                  (c) Certain Obligations of Executive. Executive shall give the
Company not less than 60 days prior written notice of any intended termination
by Executive of Executive's employment whether for Good Reason or other than for
Good Reason. In the event of a proposed termination for Good Reason, such notice
shall specify the grounds for such termination, and Executive shall only be
entitled to terminate his employment for Good Reason if the Company shall have
failed to correct the specified grounds within said 60-day notice period.
Executive shall not be entitled to terminate for Good Reason unless he has given
notice to the Company of his intention so to terminate within 60 days following
the occurrence of the event alleged to constitute such Good Reason.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Executive has given the Company
notice of his intention to resign for "Good Reason" or otherwise, the Board may
elect to have such resignation become effective immediately or at such other
date, not later than the effective date specified in the notice, as the Board
may determine.




                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
                  (d) Upon expiration or earlier termination of Executive's Term
of Employment, Executive (unless otherwise requested by the Board) concurrently
shall resign any directorships which he holds with the Company, its subsidiaries
and Affiliates.

         9.      COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, ETC. UPON, AND EFFECTS OF, TERMINATION.

                  (a) Death, Retirement, Discharge for Cause and Certain
Expirations. If the Term of Executive's employment is terminated by reason of
his death, Retirement, or discharge by the Company for Cause, or by reason of
expiration of the Term, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive
or his estate, as the case may be, at the time such payment is due (i) his Base
Salary accrued through the effective date of such termination at the rate in
effect immediately prior to such termination and (ii) any other amounts to which
Executive is entitled under the terms of Sections 5 and 6 hereof up to the
effective date of such termination. Executive also shall be entitled, to the
extent not inconsistent with this Agreement, to receive such additional
benefits, if any, as he may be entitled to under the express terms of the
applicable benefit plans (other than bonus and severance plans) of the Company,
its subsidiaries and Affiliates.

                  (b) Resignation Other than for Good Reason. If the Term of
Executive's employment is terminated by reason of Executive's resignation other
than for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and
benefits set forth in subsection (a) above.

                  (c) Disability, Discharge Without Cause and Resignation for
Good Reason. If the Term of Executive's employment is terminated by the Company
by reason of Executive's Disability as provided in Section 7(a) hereof, by the
Company without Cause or by reason of Executive's resignation for Good Reason,
Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits set forth in
subsection (a) above, and the Company shall continue (i) for a period of three
years following the effective date of such termination, or until Executive's
earlier death, to continue to pay or cause to be paid when due his Base Salary
at the rate in effect immediately prior to the effective date of such
termination (disregarding any reduction pursuant to Section 6(f) hereof), and
(ii) for a period of one year following the effective date of such termination,
or until Executive's earlier death and subject to continued employee
contributions at levels not to exceed levels existing prior to termination, to
continue to provide the life insurance specified in Appendix B in the amount in
effect immediately prior to the effective date of such termination ("Life
Insurance Coverage") and to continue to provide the medical (including dental
and optical) coverage specified in Appendix B ("Medical Coverage") at
substantially the same level as provided to Executive at the effective date of
such termination. Following the one-year period, Executive shall only be
entitled to whatever medical coverage, if any, as is required to be provided by
applicable law.

                  (d)      [Reserved].



                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
                  (e) Termination of Certain Benefits Upon Reemployment. In the
event that, following termination of Executive's employment by the Company
without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive secures other
employment (including employment as a consultant) during the period in which the
Company is obligated to continue Medical Coverage or Life Insurance Coverage
under subsections (c) above, the Company's obligation to continue such Medical
Coverage and Life Insurance Coverage immediately shall terminate, except as may
otherwise be required by applicable law. However, subject to subsection (g)
below the securing of such other employment by Executive shall not affect the
Company's obligations with respect to the continued payment to Executive of this
Base Salary. Executive shall notify the Company promptly of his securing of any
such employment (including employment as a consultant).

                  (f) Consulting Services by Executive. If Executive's
employment is terminated by the Company for Disability, by the Company without
Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive, in consideration of and during
the period of the continued payments under Sections 9(c), shall provide, to the
extent that he is physically and mentally able to do so, such reasonable
consulting services to the Company as the Company may from time to time request;
provided that, unless otherwise agreed to by Executive, such services (i) shall
not require in excess of an aggregate of 60 hours during any fiscal quarter,
(ii) may be rendered by telephone and shall not require Executive's presence in
person, and (iii) subject to Section 10(b) and 11, shall not preclude Executive
from engaging in other employment or activities. Such services shall be at the
direction and control of the Board or a senior executive officer designated by
the Board.

                  (g) Reductions, Forfeitures, etc. Notwithstanding the
foregoing: (i) any payments or benefits required to be paid or provided to
Executive pursuant to Sections 7(a) or 9(c) in the event of Executive's
Disability shall be reduced to the extent that comparable payments or benefits
are received by Executive during such period under the Company's disability
plan, as in effect from time to time, (ii) without limiting any other rights the
Company may have, any payments or benefits required to be paid or provided to
Executive under this Agreement shall be forfeited to the Company by Executive if
Executive shall breach any of his obligations under Sections 10(b) or 11 hereof,
except as may otherwise be required by applicable law, and (iii) the payments
and benefits required by this Section 9 shall be made or provided at such times
as they would have been paid or provided if Executive's employment had not been
terminated.

                  (h) Full Settlement. In the event of the termination of
Executive's employment, the payments and other benefits provided for by this
Agreement (and as otherwise provided under the express terms of any compensation
or benefit plans of the Company, its subsidiaries or Affiliates, to the extent
not inconsistent with this Agreement, or as may otherwise be required by
applicable law) shall constitute the entire obligation of the Company, its
subsidiaries and Affiliates to Executive for compensation and benefits and shall
also constitute full and complete settlement of any claim under law or in equity
that the Executive might otherwise assert against the Company, its subsidiaries
or Affiliates, for compensation and benefits.



                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
         10.      CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF EXECUTIVE.

                  Executive further covenants with the Company as follows and
expressly agrees that all payments and benefits due Executive under this
Agreement shall be subject to Executive's compliance with the provisions of
Sections 10 and 11. As used in Sections 10 and 11, the term the "Company" shall
include GTECH Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries and Affiliates.

                  (a) Assistance in Litigation. During the Term, and for a
period of three years thereafter, Executive, upon reasonable notice, shall
furnish such information and proper assistance to the Company as may reasonably
be required in connection with any litigation in which the Company is, or may
become, a party. During the Term, the Company shall maintain insurance covering
Executive at least as favorable in all material respects as its existing
Directors' and Officers' Insurance.

                  (b) Confidential Information, Proprietary Rights, etc. (i)
Executive shall not knowingly use for his own benefit or disclose or reveal to
any unauthorized person, during or after the Term, any trade secret or other
confidential information relating to the Company, including any customer lists,
customer needs, price and performance information, processes, specifications,
hardware, software, firmware, programs, devices, supply sources and
characteristics, business opportunities, marketing, promotional, pricing and
financing techniques, or other information relating to the business of the
Company; provided that such restriction on confidential information shall not
apply to information which is (i) proven to be generally available in the
industry, (ii) disclosed in published literature; (iii) obtained by Executive
after the Term from a third party without binder of secrecy; or (iv) required to
be disclosed by Executive by court order or other process of law, provided
however, that Executive shall to the extent circumstances allow, provide the
Company with prior written notice of such requirement and with the opportunity
to assist in opposing such court order or other process of law. Executive agrees
that, except as otherwise agreed by the Company, he will return to the Company,
promptly upon the request of the Board or any executive officer designated by
the Board, any physical embodiment of such confidential information.

                  (ii) All rights, title and interest in and to any ideas,
inventions, technology, processes, know-how, works, hardware, software,
firmware, programs, devices, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks or service
marks, which Executive may conceive, create, organize, prepare or product during
the period of his employment with the Company and which relate to the business
of the Company, and all rights, title and interest in and to any patents, patent
applications, copyright registrations and copyright applications resulting
therefrom, shall be owned by the Company, and Executive agrees to execute
instruments or documents, to provide evidence and testimony, and to otherwise
assist the Company in establishing, enforcing and maintaining such rights, title
and interest of the Company during and after the Term.

                  (iii) Executive does hereby irrevocably constitute, authorize,
empower and appoint the Company, or any of its officers, such Executive's true
and lawful attorney (with full 



                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
power of substitution and delegation) in Executive's name, and in Executive's
place and stead, or in the Company's name, to take and do such action, and to
make, sign, execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all instruments or
documents which the Company, from time to time, may deem desirable or necessary
to vest in the Company, its successors and assigns, any of the rights, title or
interest granted pursuant to clause (ii) above for the use and benefit of the
Company, its successors and assigns.

         11. NON-COMPETITION. (a) For the periods specified in clauses (i) and
(ii) below following termination of Executive's employment (irrespective of the
reason for such termination), Executive shall not engage or propose to engage,
directly or indirectly (which includes owning, managing, operating, controlling,
being employed by, acting as a consultant to, giving financial assistance to,
participating in or being connected in any material way with any business or
person so engaged) anywhere in the United States, including its territories and
possessions, or in any foreign country (the United States and any such foreign
country being deemed to be a separate "Territory") in any business which
competes or proposes to compete with any business in which the Company was
engaged or proposed to be engaged in such Territory at the time of the
termination of Executive's employment; provided, that Executive's ownership as a
passive investor of less than one percent of the issued and outstanding stock or
equity, or $100,000 principal amount of any debt securities, of any corporation,
partnership or other entity so engaged shall not by itself be deemed to
constitute such engagement by Executive. The Company shall be deemed to have
"proposed" to engage in a business within the meaning of the previous sentence
if, at the time of termination of Executive's employment, management of the
Company was actively considering entering such line of business (whether by
acquisition, internal development or otherwise) as evidenced by a written
business plan (or other reasonably detailed substantive delineation of business
objectives) in existence at such time and Executive was aware of such active
consideration.

                  The aforesaid prohibition on Executive's activities shall
extend (i) for a period of three years following termination of Executive's
employment with respect to the Lottery and Gaming Business (as defined below),
and (ii) for a period of one year following termination of Executive's
employment with respect to activities relating to any other business. As used
herein, the "Lottery and Gaming Business" shall mean the provision of products
or services of every nature relating to the operation of all manner of
lotteries, games of chance and parimutuel wagering however and wherever
conducted.

                  Executive shall not be deemed to have violated this Section
11(a) merely by virtue of employment by a non-competitive division or subsidiary
of a business entity or consolidated group that includes one or more divisions
or subsidiaries that does in fact compete with a business carried on by the
Company.

                  (b) Further, for a period of three years following termination
of Executive's employment (irrespective of the reason for such termination),
Executive shall not (i) disturb or interfere with any business relationship
between the Company and any of its employees, dealers, customers, suppliers or
other business associates, or (ii) solicit or cause to be solicited any 



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
officer, employee, customer or shareholder of the Company to terminate such
person's relationship with the Company or to take other action contrary to the
best interests of the Company.

         12.      TAX WITHHOLDING.

                  The Company may withhold from any benefits payable under this
agreement all Federal, State, City, or other taxes as shall be required pursuant
to any law or governmental regulations or ruling.

         13.      EFFECT OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS.

                  This Agreement, including the Exhibit and Appendices hereto,
contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto with respect, to
the matters covered herein and supersedes any prior agreement, condition,
practice, custom, usage and obligation with respect to such matters insofar as
any such prior agreement, condition, practice, custom, usage or obligation might
have given rise to any enforceable right.

         14.      GENERAL PROVISIONS.

                  (a) Certain Representations and Warranties of Executive.
Executive represents to the Company that (i) the execution and performance of
this Agreement by Executive and his employment hereunder does not and will not
constitute a breach of any contract, agreement, obligation or understanding,
oral or written, to which he is a party or by which he is bound; (ii) the
employment and other personal background information provided by Executive to
Company is true and correct in all material respects and (iii) to the best of
Executive's knowledge, there is no factor relating to him or his family not
previously disclosed in writing to the Company which could reasonably be
expected, if he were a senior executive officer or director of the Company, to
disqualify the Company, its subsidiaries or Affiliates from, or materially
jeopardize their chances of, obtaining lottery contracts or other contracts in
the businesses in which they are engaged or propose to engage.

                  (b) Non-assignability. Neither this Agreement nor any rights
or interest hereunder shall be assignable by Executive, his beneficiaries, or
legal representatives without the Company's prior written consent.

                  (c) Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon,
and accrue to the benefit of, Executive and the Company and their respective
heirs, executors, administrator, successors and permitted assigns, including, in
the case of the Company, any person or entity acquiring all or substantially all
of the Company's assets.

                  (d) Amendment of Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified
or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.




                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
                  (e) Remedies. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
possible restrictions on his activities which may occur as a result of his
performance of his obligations under Sections 10(b) and 11 hereof are required
for the reasonable protection of the Company, its subsidiaries and Affiliates,
and Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that such restrictions are fair
and reasonable for that purpose. Executive further expressly acknowledges and
agrees that damages alone will be an inadequate remedy for any breach or
violation by him of this Agreement and that the Company, its subsidiaries and
Affiliates, in addition to all other remedies at law or in equity, shall be
entitled as a matter of right to injunctive relief, including specific
performance, with respect to any such breach or violation, in any court of
competent jurisdiction including, without limitation, any state or federal court
in Rhode Island. If any of the provisions of such Sections are held to be in any
respect an unreasonable or unlawful restriction upon Executive, then they shall
be deemed to extend only over the maximum period of time, geographic area,
and/or range of activities as to which they may be enforceable. The Company and
Executive agree that the prevailing party in any legal proceeding respecting
this Agreement shall receive, from the other party, reimbursement for all costs
incurred in connection with such proceeding.

                  (f) Waiver. No term or condition of this Agreement shall be
deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the
enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of
the party charged with such waiver or estoppel.

                  (g) Severability. If, for any reason, any provision of this
Agreement is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision
of this Agreement not so held invalid, and each such other provision shall to
the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

                  (h) Notices. For the purposes of this Agreement, notice and
all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered or mailed by United
States certified or registered express mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, if to Executive, addressed to the address set forth on the signature
page of this Agreement; if to the Company, addressed to GTECH Holdings
Corporation, 55 Technology Way, West Greenwich, Rhode Island 02817 and directed
to the attention of the Board with a copy to the Secretary of the Company; if to
a member of the Board, addressed to each member at his respective address on
file with the Secretary of the Company with a copy to the Company, or to such
other address as either party may have furnished to the others in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective
only upon receipt.

                  (i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

                  (j) Indulgences, Etc. Neither the failure nor any delay on the
part of either party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under
this Agreement shall operate as a 



                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy,
power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any
other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right,
remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a
waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other
occurrence.

                  (k) Headings. The headings of Sections and paragraphs herein
are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the
meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

                  (l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Rhode Island, regardless
of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts
of laws thereof.



                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, GTECH Holdings Corporation has caused this
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers, and Executive has
signed this Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.



                                     GTECH HOLDINGS CORPORATION




Attest:______________________        By:_________________________________ 
         Name:                              Name:
         Title:                             Title:




Witness:                             EXECUTIVE




-----------------------------           -----------------------------------
                                            Steven P. Nowick


                                            Address: 104 Circle Ridge Drive
                                                     Burr Ridge, IL  60521



                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
                                   APPENDIX A


SUMMARY OF TERMS OF STOCK OPTIONS

         The stock options to be granted under Section 6(d) of the Agreement are
to be granted pursuant to the 1994 Plan, in the case of stock options granted on
the Effective Date, and the 1997 Plan, in the case of all other stock option
grants, and will be subject to the respective terms and conditions of the 1994
Plan and the 1997 Plan and the terms and conditions of the Option Agreement. The
following is a summary of the provisions of the stock options provided for in
Section 6(d) of this Agreement:

Nature of Options -           Nonqualified unless otherwise determined by the
                              Committee.

Exercisability -              Options shall become exercisable (i.e. vest) in
                              four equal annual installments commencing one
                              year from the dates of grant of the particular
                              option, subject to possible acceleration under 
                              the terms of the 1994 Plan or the 1997 Plan, as 
                              the case may be.

Option Price -                Fair market value at the date of the grant of the
                              particular option.

Term -                        Ten years from the date of grant of the particular
                              option, subject to earlier termination in certain
                              circumstances under the terms of the 1994 Plan or
                              the 1997 Plan, as the case may be.

Termination of Employment -   In the event Executive's employment is terminated:

                              (i) by reason of death or Retirement, his
                              outstanding options (i.e. options which have been
                              granted but have not been exercised or terminated
                              and have not expired), to the extent they are
                              vested at
<PAGE>   19
                              the date of such death or Retirement, shall remain
                              exercisable for a period of one year; and

                              (ii) by the Company for Disability or without
                              Cause (as defined in the 1994 Plan), by
                              Executive's resignation for Good Reason, or by the
                              Company in the circumstances set forth in Section
                              3(b) of the Agreement, his outstanding options,
                              whether or not they have vested on the date of
                              such termination of employment, shall accelerate
                              and become vested in full and shall remain
                              exercisable for a period of one year.

                              Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) with respect to
                              Executive's options, if any, which may be
                              incentive stock options under the Code, the
                              exercisability period following termination of
                              employment shall not exceed that permitted by the
                              Code, (ii) the period of exercisability of options
                              following termination of employment specified
                              above is subject to possible reduction in certain
                              circumstances under the terms of the 1994 Plan,
                              and (iii) in no event shall any option be
                              exercisable after the expiration of its term.
                              Except as expressly provide above, upon
                              termination of Executive's employment, his
                              options, whether vested or unvested, shall
                              immediately terminate and be of no further force
                              and effect.
<PAGE>   20
                                   APPENDIX B

                  SUMMARY OF CERTAIN BENEFITS AND ARRANGEMENTS

         1. Relocation & Related Matters. Executive currently owns a home in the
Chicago, Illinois vicinity (the "Premises"). The Company will provide Executive
with a home buyout option, through HFS Mobility Services ("HFS"), with respect
to the Premises. This option, subject to the more detailed rules respecting the
HFS Program, involves: (i) the appraisal of the Premises by two appraisers
(chosen by Executive from a list of approved appraisers); (ii) the valuation of
the Premises on the basis of the average of the two appraisals (the "Average
Appraisal"); and (iii) the extension of an offer by HFS to Executive to purchase
the Premises at a price equal to the Average Appraisal. Executive has the option
of accepting the offer to purchase within sixty days, in which case HFS will
purchase the Premises at a price equal to the Average Appraisal subject to
normal closing conditions, or rejecting or not accepting the offer within sixty
days, in which case Executive shall be responsible for the sale of the Premises.

         2. Vacation. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to a paid
vacation of four weeks per year commencing to accrue on the date of Executive's
employment hereunder.

         3. Automobile. During the Term, the Company shall make available to
Executive for his own use a passenger automobile in accordance with the
Company's automobile policy, as Executive may select.

         4. Life Insurance. During the Term (and thereafter as and to the extent
expressly provided in the Agreement), Executive shall receive life insurance
coverage in accordance with the Company's policy.

         5. Medical. During the Term (and thereafter as and to the extent
expressly provided in the Agreement) and subject to the payment by Executive of
employee contributions as provided in the plan, the Company shall bear the cost
of all medical expenses reasonably incurred by Executive and his family (family
eligibility to be determined in accordance with the Company's general policies
concerning medical coverage), including hospitalization (private room), dental,
optical and choice of physicians. Further, during the Term, the cost of
Executive's annual physical examination also shall be borne by the Company.

         6. Tax Preparation. During the Term, the Company shall bear the expense
for annual tax preparation for Executive subject to such limits as are set forth
in the Company plan.
<PAGE>   21
         7. Perquisites Plan. During the Term, Executive shall have the right to
participate in the Company's Executive Perquisites Plan, in accordance with its
terms provided that the amount available to Executive under the Plan for
calendar year 1997 shall be calculated on the assumption that Executive was
employed by the Company during all of calendar year 1997.

         8. Income Deferral Plan. During the Term, Executive shall have the
right to participate in the Income Deferral Plan in accordance with, and subject
to, the terms and conditions of such plan.
<PAGE>   22
                                   Exhibit A

                          [Omitted: See Exhibit 10.8]