Officials at the Multi-State Lottery Association recently warned if Illinois legislators do not pass a budget before June 28, Powerball and Mega Millions ticket sales will end in the state, since there will be no money to pay lottery prizes. Illinois Lottery Acting Director Greg Smith confirmed without a budget, players will be “denied the opportunity” to participate in popular games.
The state’s budget stalemate now is in its third year. Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and the Democratic majority in the legislature have been deadlocked since 2015, when the state government had to issue IOUs to players who won large cash prizes. The bottom line is a nearly $120 billion public pension fund hole.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Illinois reported $99 million in Mega Millions sales and $208 million in Powerball sales in 2016. The games are offered in 44 states.
