Illinois Lottery not paying big winners because state legislature won't pass budget

Comment #62

DELotteryPlyr — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 23:28:45 GMT

Yes, all state lotteries have a monopoly. Only competition is for people near the boarder to another state and can easily go over. Which is what I have here.

Comment #61

Coin Toss — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 02:32:34 GMT

DELotteryPlyr,

The monopoly factor is true for all state lotteries, no?

If you went to a horse race track and there was a sign at the windows:

All winning bets will receive IOUs and be paid at a later date

would you make bets at the track?

Illinois didn't even do that, there's was no 'heads up' and this wasn't even in the news until people were issued IOUs instead of getting paid.

Comment #60

savagegoose — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 01:56:03 GMT

i have heard the they saying they could lose money running a brothel; but no one ever thought gov was so incompetent, they could lose money running a lottery! now i have seen everything

Comment #59

DELotteryPlyr — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 00:32:34 GMT

That is a great story **BUT** the Lottery is not your average company. You see Illinois has a monopoly on the lottery. There is no competition. So, as much as I would like to see the players stop playing in IL until they start getting paid, it most likely will not happen.

Classic example of a monopoly, they do what they want regardsless of the 'contracts' they have issued (in the form of winning tickets).

Comment #58

Coin Toss — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 23:56:37 GMT

Here's a little more to the story, this is from the Southern Illinois University newspaper:

Rossi would not speculate on what effect the delays might have on the lottery's revenues if people choose to stop playing until the state resolves the budget crisis, and he was not aware of any effort to pass a special measure to allow the comptroller to pay out winnings while lawmakers and the governor haggle over the budget.

State Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, has been a frequent critic of the stat... [ More ]

Comment #57

Funtimz — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 07:46:11 GMT

Wonder if people stop playing the big ticket prizes or if they went to neighboring states would this light a fire under those politicians

Comment #56

Gleno — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 04:57:16 GMT

This story has made it to Nightly Business Report on TV. Is it going to bring transparency to Ill Politics

Comment #55

DELotteryPlyr — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:55:22 GMT

I know states are seeing there costs go up due to commitments they made to employees over the last 30-50 years, in the form of pensions insurance. WHY must the rest of us pay the price since THEY offered WAY TOO much 30 years ago? I think the contracts for pensions and insurance should be reopened to stop the bleeding of the states. Soon they will be NOTHING left but them paying pensions health insurance, all other state operations will be cut to cover those.

Comment #54

Coin Toss — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:53:17 GMT

zinniagirl,

NC doesn't have Chicago to contend with.

We have a saying in Illinois, The dog barks in Chicago and wags its tail in Springfield (state capital).

Illinois lottery:

Administrative Offices

101 West Jefferson Street Springfield, IL 62702

122 South Michigan Avenue, 19th Floor Chicago, IL 60603

Comment #53

zinniagirl — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:35:47 GMT

No budget here in NC for three months either, but still paying prizes.

Comment #52

dpoly1 — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:49:56 GMT

AND as you know, we do not have a budget in place here in PA. SO it would be tough luck if the annuity company were bankrupt.

If I win, it will be the cash option for me

Comment #51

Ron5995 — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:24:14 GMT

Other risks include insolvency of one or more of the annuity companies. Many would assume the state government would backstop such losses, but not necessarily so. Pennsylvania Lottery says this:

What happens to the prize money if a company who got an annuity bid goes bankrupt?

Published 08/04/2003 01:14 PM | Updated 10/21/2010 04:23 PM

The obligation to pay the prize is based upon contract law. The method that the state uses to fund the prize is a business decision. During a three-mont... [ More ]

Comment #50

DELotteryPlyr — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:09:18 GMT

power to the player

Comment #49

Get paid — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 18:55:26 GMT

Typical politicians,the people in that state should stop playing until they have a budget.

Comment #48

Gleno — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 13:42:07 GMT

8/31/15

Excellent point. If they are not going to payout on big prizes , which is selective discrimination, then a lawsuit should be filed by the winners first.

If they don't file within say 30 days then hope some folks in IL get a class action suit started against the Ill Lottery commission,for breach of contract.

Comment #47

savagegoose — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 09:53:30 GMT

We IOU'd some folks

Comment #46

Teddi — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 23:22:55 GMT

Supposed to and actuality are two different things here. In the same way lottery winners are supposed to be getting paid but in reality they are not, I see nothing saying that winners who took the annuity prior to this fiscal mess are being paid. Because if they have money for the annuity, they should have the money for the new winners as well. This reads as every payment over $25,000 is being frozen, so I say again, take the lump sum and don't ever look back. You leave yourself open for headach... [ More ]

Comment #45

dpoly1 — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 16:09:16 GMT

100

Comment #44

dpoly1 — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 16:07:34 GMT

Comment #43

lucky6025 — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 13:07:59 GMT

first off, I would get a lawyer and sue for huge amount in a court with a jury.next i would start a pettition to impeach each of the politicians that are involvd with this problem next i would go to the local news and morning programs on tv and get this all over the place next go on you tube and facebook. each and every time you go somewhere to get ths out make sure you mention the name of the people in office that are involved with this.the more it gets out with their names the faster this gets... [ More ]

Comment #42

DELotteryPlyr — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 08:36:03 GMT

Wonder when a IL attorney will step in to get this started

Comment #41

DELotteryPlyr — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 08:33:13 GMT

That is a good point. They ARE selling a product which they can't fulfill on. Wonder what federal agency the people of IL would need to get involved to force them to pay or stop selling the games till they can

Comment #40

ekem6078 — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 04:39:52 GMT

Have they stop the mega million, and powerball game in Ill. I mean if you can't pay off if someone hits it, then why take people money right now. That's like selling a product, that you know you can't ship right away.

Comment #39

MzDuffleBaglady — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 02:58:44 GMT

Shame .

Comment #38

Coin Toss — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 02:51:31 GMT

Related news stories have mentioned different people and different amounts.

You have to love this.......on the IL lottery homepage, under the pot at the end of the rainbow, the motto is

ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE.

Comment #37

cbr$ — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 02:42:53 GMT

This such have never happen. If you do everything correct in the paper work to claim the prize the lottery said, it the winner. IF you are standing in the lottery headquarter, hand over the check. You're budget problem such not have become the players problem. I players paid , right then expecting to get paid. Not a I.O.U. when we get the budget in place. The money for these type of winner , such have been all ready set a side from the old budget. These people such not have been put on hold.... [ More ]

Comment #36

LottoLucy — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 01:29:48 GMT

I'm not so sure. I recently asked the FL lottery about how the annuity is handled for their lotto game. The bonds that are purchased for the annuity are held by the State Board of Administration. When the bonds mature they are disbursed to the lottery. A lot of times these budget holdups mean that the government entity cannot write any checks until the stalemate has resolved. It was my understanding that, at least in FL, if there was some sort of budget crisis you might not get paid until after... [ More ]

Comment #35

rj6speed — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 00:52:54 GMT

This story did make the local news here, but it sounded like it was a different couple they had interviewed. A 73 74yr old couple called the Whitfields and they said the state was withholding a $400,000 check from them... He was frustrated to say the least...

Comment #34

Coin Toss — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 23:54:57 GMT

I think they've (the IL lottery) lost a lot of credibility.

This might change a lot of jackpot game players into Pick 3 and P{ick 4 players.

I usually play MM hoping for a 5 + 0 but right now it's pointless.

Playing Lucky Day Lotto (5/39 progressive jp starts at $100,000) would also be futile.

There's no other gambling endeavor where the 'house' would be allowed to book action and not pay out.

Comment #33

VenomV12 — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 16:14:01 GMT

And this is why you never ever ever take the annuity, take the cash and run because you never know what will happen down the road, especially with these governments.

Comment #32

Gleno — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 15:44:36 GMT

Ouch ! Thought the lottery prize money was kept independent of the general budget.

Know it's naive to believe the politicians would do right by the people.

Any thing can happen in this world, so when you win, don't go out and start spending before you receive that big fat check.

Comment #31

savagegoose — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 15:41:32 GMT

I hope that if such a thing happened here the lottery would be closed down because of lack of playing customers. what a SCAM, what a JOKE.

Comment #30

Romancandle — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 15:29:06 GMT

I would think if you chose an annuity before this budget crisis it would be safe. The annuity would be separate from IL budget unless you needed to claim a winner right now.

Comment #29

m3347 — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 14:04:54 GMT

This story is complete B.S. The lottery is funded by ticket sales, not by the state. Players should immediately file a lawsuit against the state and ask for ten times damages.

Comment #28

plumsage — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 13:58:35 GMT

This is why when I win big I am taking the lump sum. You cannot tell me u the ( government) know what kind of funds you are going to have in the future or what changes may be made. Give me my money now

Comment #27

jjtheprince — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 13:14:55 GMT

Ahh Illinois...just right across the river from me. Financially they are probably even worse off than Greece so this is not at all surprising.

Comment #26

Teddi — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:54:05 GMT

If ever there was a reason to never take an annuity payment here it is. So many people here have told me payment is guaranteed regardless of what's going on in the state or country, and I've always said believing anything is 100% guaranteed when it comes to money is insane.

Seriously,who would have thought that they could tell you, we acknowledge you won,we know we're contracted to pay you, but we've opted not to pay you until we work out our own stalemate .

I'm really surprised there are... [ More ]

Comment #25

jarasan — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:44:47 GMT

They are still selling lottery tix???? And the masses are buying them

Comment #24

Numbernutt — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:25:19 GMT

If I were an resident in Illinois and was playing the jackpot games......I would take the time and energy to do a road trip to the neighboring state closest to my residence......

Illinois people, you can always take your gaming act to your neighbouring states..... go to Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin.....I'm sure they will appreciate the business.....send Illinois a message.....

Screw you, Illinois

Comment #23

Saylorgirl — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:20:27 GMT

If you would read the story correctly you would realize that Rick is the Old Chick (your words not mine!).

It is Susan Rick and Danny Chasteen so by your standards I guess that Rick likes Old Dudes .

And according to you when did a 8 year age difference become a big issue? Also, when did a 56 year old become an Old Chick ? (Again, your words not mine).

I do hope they receive their lottery check soon

Comment #22

Numbernutt — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:15:07 GMT

1000

Comment #21

DELotteryPlyr — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 09:05:03 GMT

If that happened in the state I am in - MD, I would STOP playing any game that a win would be over $600. HIT THEM WHERE IT HURTS!!!

Stop playing and show them what happens when they pull this crap

Comment #20

zinniagirl — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 07:53:53 GMT

Imagine the surprise that the megamillions or powerball jackpot winner in Illinois would exoerience, if they were to win now! The news headlines around the world.....

Comment #19

Funtimz — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 06:26:14 GMT

This may be an example of why taking an entire payment vs increments is something to think about...

Comment #18

mypiemaster — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 04:42:51 GMT

I've been yelling about this for a long time, especially when they confiscate unclaimed lottery winnings and inform the public that it is going towards a good cause, namely education. If you look beneath the surface, it's complete

Comment #17

itpmguru — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 04:31:17 GMT

I agree 2,000,000% and NCEL is a prime example of your first point........IT DOES NOT

Comment #16

myturn — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 04:31:10 GMT

Rick, 48, and Chasteen, 56, were expecting the money to come this week after he turned in his winning ticket July 20 to the lottery claim center in Rockford. Instead, they got a phone call this week from lottery officials saying the payment would be delayed because of the budget impasse.

Rick likes old chicks

Comment #15

itpmguru — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 04:28:13 GMT

Sadly, a separate budget is not the norm now days as many states just want more and more and more to fund their pet projects in the general fund. Even more sad is the NCEL - North Carolina Education Fund which has been raided MANY years by the Governor, his Minions and getting worse by the day. I plan to start a petition (very soon) in NC that will ask for many changes to the blatant lottery misnomers (insert another word) in addition to the following as by mid September ALL teachers aid will be... [ More ]

Comment #14

mypiemaster — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 04:16:46 GMT

Illinois + politics = Crooked outcomes.

Comment #13

Funtimz — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 03:02:15 GMT

Another example where politicians don't care.

Comment #12

ronki — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 02:57:35 GMT

And I thought NC was a screwed up state Hey but our State Troopers get new cars all the time they got money for that but not for Schools

Comment #11

butch2030 — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 02:48:12 GMT

If the state is doing this, I feel that the winners are entitled to interest on the money that is being held until the budget is passed funds are finally released. Plus a penalty on top of the interest. What would the state do if I didn't pay my taxes on time? What is good for the goose is good for the gander. What if all the players in the State of ILL stop playing the Lottery until the State budget is passed? I wonder if they are holding up payroll for the State House Senate until the budget i... [ More ]

Comment #10

infiniti30 — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 02:15:02 GMT

Next time my property taxes are due I will just slip in a nice little note saying that I can't pay yet because I have not finalized my yearly budget.

Comment #9

sully16 — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 02:00:20 GMT

Dirty rotten way to conduct the Lottery.

Comment #8

ckrakowski — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 01:27:35 GMT

This is not going to work out for the lottery. I can see them not passing a budget until after the last day to claim the ticket has passed. I can see it now the winners try to cash the ticket only to be told the ticket can not be claimed as it is passed the claim date. Who the hell puts the lottery budget in the state budget? How can you run out of money in a lottery

Comment #7

Coin Toss — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 00:35:06 GMT

Anyone still think the lottery money goes into education?

The money goes in there at one end and an equal or greater amount is taken out t the other.

The non-payment situation should suspend the lottery until the budget is passed.

Comment #6

Ron5995 — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 00:18:43 GMT

Probably not. Unless Illinois has a statutory interest rate for delayed payments, then the winner could potentially pocket an extra few hundred to upwards of $1K per month.

However, if calculated at a typical banking interest rate, the extra amount will amount to very little, if anything. Some banks charge commercial account holders with large balances an extra fee - in effect, a negative interest rate.

A work-around for IL players is sticking with low domination games, in particular, 3 an... [ More ]

Comment #5

Romancandle — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 23:44:52 GMT

Common School Fund... All profits deposited there for payment. So no budget... No plan... No payments...

B.S.

shame on IL

Comment #4

myturn — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 22:29:54 GMT

When they do get payment, will they get paid interest

Comment #3

MADDOG10 — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 21:25:24 GMT

Why would Lottery Funds be tied into the States budget? Are they robbing Peter to pay Paul?

I've always thought The Lottery is a separate entity.

Comment #2

MillionsWanted — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 21:05:25 GMT

That's ridiculous. Shouldn't the lottery have its own budget which includes lottery payouts.

Strange that they have to take the money from the state budget directly.

This lottery will probably go bankrupt.

Comment #1

Tommy529 — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 20:57:31 GMT

That's awful I would be upset the lottery has lots of money it's just the vp want to have more to spend on luxury

Illinois Lottery not paying big winners because state legislature won't pass budget

Lottery Post — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 20:51:34 GMT

After years of struggling financially, Susan Rick thought things were looking up when her boyfriend won $250,000 from the Illinois Lottery last month. She could stop working seven days a week, maybe fix up the house and take a trip to Minnesota to visit her daughter.

But because Illinois lawmakers have not passed a budget, she and her boyfriend, Danny Chasteen, got an IOU from the lottery instead.

For the first time, we were finally gonna get a break, said Rick, who lives in Oglesby. And