The Illinois Internet Lottery Pilot Program, allowing single tickets for the state’s Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto games to be purchased online or via its mobile app for three years, will expire Friday, March 25. Legislation that would have allowed the program to continue did not pass the Illinois General Assembly before it adjourned, and lawmakers will not return to Springfield until April 4. As a result, as long as the program remains inactive, the state could lose millions of dollars; supporters said online sales generate – million annually.
Illinois Lottery spokesman Steve Rossi said lottery players still may buy lottery subscriptions.
In 2012, Illinois became the first state to sell lottery tickets online under a pilot program with a three-year limit. In 2014, gambling options were further expanded through a mobile app. In three years, Rossi said online ticket sales generated $68 million, with 24 percent going to education and construction projects.
State Rep. Ed Sullivan, a Republican, and state Rep. Lou Lang, a Democrat and top deputy of House Speaker Michael Madigan, co-sponsored the bill to make online sales permanent. It was supposed to come up for review in the House Rules Committee but the session was canceled. Sullivan said Madigan’s office was aware of the deadline and had plenty of time to consider Sullivan’s bill. Sullivan added Madigan held the issue hostage in his battle with Republican Governor Bruce Rauner over the budget. Lang denied Madigan was stalling the legislation and said, “This will get resolved.” Illinois has been without a comprehensive spending plan for nine months as the record-setting budget impasse continues.
Sullivan said the uncertainty over online single-ticket lottery sales also could affect the state’s search for a new lottery management company, as well as cause players to buy tickets in other states when they’re no longer available in Illinois.
Rossi said the lottery is reviewing its options. He added there’s no reason legislators could not revive the program when they return in April.
Georgia and Michigan, and Illinois until March 25, are the only states to allow online lottery ticket purchases. In all other states, players must purchase tickets at a retailer. Online gambling only is allowed in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware.
Connecticut legislators are mulling moving the state lottery online by allowing online ticket sales as well as allowing lottery sales by an outside vendor. Illinois and Georgia allow online ticket sales, but neither allow sales through a vendor. Online lottery tickets were once sold in Minnesota, but last year the practice ended.
This is pioneer territory. Few states have taken this step yet. Rep. Stephen Dargan, co-chairman of the committee that oversees the lottery commented last week, “I’ve never heard of this before,” he said. “I thought it was somewhat different.”
The lawmaker is skeptical of garnering support but is interesting in learning more about it. I think that’s why we’re hearing it, to get an education and find out what’s going on in the gaming world with this.” The idea originated from a lobbyist for a company that hopes to obtain a license to sell online.
The bill contains language that would require vendors to confirm that purchasers are 18 and older. Vendors are currently licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection, which would regulate online sales, according to the legislation.
