Illinois lottery winners file class-action lawsuit against state

Comment #58

Drenick1 — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:30:31 GMT

Just saw the news about the Illinois lottery and the announcement that any winnings over $600 can no longer be immediately paid. They will be issuing I.O.U.'s but with interest. With current interest rates at 0.25% I doubt any big winners In that state will be too thrilled.

Comment #57

MrProgrammer — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 18:54:56 GMT

Well stated, Todd.

Comment #56

DELotteryPlyr — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 09:05:19 GMT

sad to say this but GOOD TO SEE - power to the people on this

Comment #55

butch2030 — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 20:14:23 GMT

The damage is all ready done it has already started to dry up overnight. Went to my local store where I buy my tickets, and the owner states he has definitely seen an increasing loss in sales on the big games over the past few weeks. Even his regular customers are telling him that it is a bunch of Bull S### and are not buying any tickets until this problem is rectified. The Lottery in Illinois is biting off the hand that feeds them. Time to clean house get rid of the dead wood...................... [ More ]

Comment #54

butch2030 — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:54:09 GMT

Correction: The top 4 collar states are MO, WI, IA, KY

Current State (BASE) Tax Rates

MO - 4.225%

WI - 5.000%

IA - 6.000%

KY - 6.000%

IL - 6.250%

IN - 7.000%

Let's see difference between WI IL is 1.250% PB is (200M+) times 1.25% = 2.5M in savings by buying your ticket in WI.

Is a 45 min trip to WI worth it -- you bet your sweet A## it is........................................... And Yes, I am a turtle.

Comment #53

butch2030 — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:15:54 GMT

I think that the lawsuit should asked the courts to have the state reimburse the winners not only the prize money but also penalty interest for non-payment base it on the same criteria as the IPASS. Where a .50 cent IPASS toll violation turns into a $80.00 bill based on their calculations of penalty interest. Lets see it if they like it if the pants are on a different foot. I also hope that they are including legal fees in the lawsuit as the lottery winners should not have to pay for their attor... [ More ]

Comment #52

DELotteryPlyr — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 09:17:10 GMT

TYPICAL, the response from the legislature. Political nature is - unless it affects me - I don't care!

(or is it 'effects'? Always get those words reversed!- LOL

Comment #51

Coin Toss — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 17:12:46 GMT

rcbuckeye,

Yeah, there's Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana not too far....in fact, if you win anything significant Illinois puts you mug and amount on monitors where tickets are sold. I've often though of just playing in one of the bordering states where nobody knows you

Comment #50

rcbbuckeye — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 15:23:58 GMT

CT, I'm really sorry you are in this state with these idiots running the lottery. If you live close to the border of another state, it would good to just spend your money in that state.

Comment #49

Coin Toss — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 15:13:32 GMT

Last week someone in the Illinois legislature was quoted as saying, Oh how many people does this non-payment of winning tickets affect - there aren't that many winners.

Pitiful that someone in his position has no clue what this situation does to ticket sales.

Hey Illinois lottery:

IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO PAY WHY SHOULD WE PLAY

Comment #48

Tialuvslotto — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 10:36:25 GMT

Well, at least one of them gets it!

Illinois residents -- vote out the rest of the jokers, but keep Jack Franks. Next time he runs he can use the campaign slogan: Jack Franks: He's got a clue.

Comment #47

DELotteryPlyr — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 23:56:43 GMT

Here is some additional information I located on this subject.

The Illinois Legislature isn't scheduled to return until later this month. But state representative Jack Franks says he's asked the governor to call a special session. And he'll introduce a bill that will allow the comptroller to pay out big lottery awards.

JACK FRANKS: I don't think this can wait 'cause this is a very, very important asset of the state which - we generate almost a billion dollars in revenue a year for the... [ More ]

Comment #46

Stack47 — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 18:18:36 GMT

Based on the story you posted 2 weeks ago it appears that the comptroller is doing exactly what his job requires - not writing checks because the lack of a budget means he doesn't have the proper authority to do so.

We have the opposite problem in KY where a County Clerk went to jail for refusing to do their job.

Comment #45

CSense — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:10:50 GMT

Exactly, what they're doing is robbing the winners illegally. At the same time the people who withheld the winners' money should be fired or resign. They now gave their state a bad name because this is bad business so there will be less sales of lottery tickets.

Comment #44

Gleno — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 13:36:16 GMT

This scandal in IL has hit major media outlets.

Do you think it will shame the politicians into resolving their budget issues.

This must be hurting their lottery income with this policy of not paying out over $25K .

Comment #43

RL-RANDOMLOGIC — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 11:41:59 GMT

Amen brother

100

Comment #42

DELotteryPlyr — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 09:31:14 GMT

This story hit the national news, saw it last night on the 6:30 national news

Comment #41

Thanks$ — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 13:35:36 GMT

I go to the Illinois Lottery Website and I can't find anything about giving out IOUs instead of a jackpot. That tells you something right their.

Comment #40

DELotteryPlyr — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:05:14 GMT

LOL!!!!!!! Seems like it, doesn't it. Bet any winners in Greece of 'El Gordo' were not effected.

Comment #39

jjtheprince — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 20:26:45 GMT

Ahh Illinois lol, Greece is in far better shape financially than this state.

Comment #38

savagegoose — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 08:23:31 GMT

one of the laws governing raffles and lotteries and basically any prize draw out here in Australia, is that the company running the draw has to actually have the prizes on offer before the draw. not qute sure if that applies to state lottos tho. i know there are now tele marketting scams , or well much like a scam, but also techinaclly legal offering all sorts of prizes. on late night TV, so i know its not just charity raffles having to follow the rules. Amazing the state over there can get away... [ More ]

Comment #37

Teddi — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 23:30:30 GMT

The only problem is that no lottery game I've seen gives you a definite date of disbursement. It's always phrased like disbursement of funds are usually within x weeks . It varies and it's ambiguous. Maybe we need the rules of the game and the laws in the state amended so that disbursements must be made within a certain period of time or the state will have to pay interest as well as penalties. When a resident owes the state, fees and penalties are tacked on when payment is late. Why can't the r... [ More ]

Comment #36

Teddi — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 23:11:47 GMT

It doesn't matter how it's phrased. No one ever files for bankruptcy because they're financially sound. Berkshire Hathaway isn't filing bankruptcy for any restructuring they'd do. Just because the law makes these provisions isn't a sign of great business acumen to have to utilize them. The person running a company well enough so they don't have to file bankruptcy is the smart one. There's a reason filing for bankruptcy is always the last resort and not the first. In the same way I wouldn't take... [ More ]

Comment #35

TheGameGrl — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 20:39:32 GMT

Had this discussion on how when budgets are halted, money is still allowed to flow into the government. take Car Registrations, Toll booths, Fines, Tax collections. Each flowing in and being applied. Issuance of payments that are outgoing (halted), ergo, no Monies released til Budget is approved. Some State contracts that are pre allocated are considered part of the former contingency of payments.

Has anyone researched how long Illinois has from time of claim to make payment?

Side no... [ More ]

Comment #34

Coin Toss — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 20:19:57 GMT

LonniC,

Illinois kept the non-payments hushed up from July 1st until there were some winners of over $25,000. Then they had to fess up.

Comment #33

noise-gate — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 19:31:27 GMT

..Out here in California, proceeds from the State lottery are not tied in any way of the State budget. When the citizens of California voted on having a lottery back in the 80's- that was made perfectly clear to the voters.It is as it should be.l don't blame these folks for lawyering up.Send a signal to the politicians.

Comment #32

mypiemaster — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:33:05 GMT

Food for thought: Next time you win a jackpot, just take the cash and run. Better to squander your own money by yourself than have somebody else do it for you.

Comment #31

mypiemaster — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:29:40 GMT

C'mon relax. This is Illinois we are talking about. One way or the other, they find a way to screw the people anyway.

Comment #30

mypiemaster — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:26:48 GMT

That would really be something to see. I'm not holding my breath because I intend to win it myself and save Illinois the embarrassment.

Comment #29

LonniC — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:11:46 GMT

I'm in Illinois and play Lucky Day Lotto daily and Illinois Lotto each draw. I had not heard a word about payments being suspended until a few days ago. When I first heard that they were suspending the payments until a budget is agreed on, I wasn't worried. I figured they would eventually come up with a budget and everyone would be paid if the reason they are suspending payments is really due to the budget fight.

What has me concerned now is that I haven't read one article that says don't... [ More ]

Comment #28

Nikkicute — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 14:45:52 GMT

If an Illinois ticket were to win this weeks Powerball jackpot, they wouldn't get the money

Comment #27

RedStang — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 15:17:41 GMT

I hope they sue the hell out of them. I would be steaming too if i hit the jackpot and still had to go to work.

Comment #26

Ron5995 — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 14:31:38 GMT

Ironically, a government partner would be safer than how many lotteries actually implement annuities. Some lotteries, such PA Lottery, treat annuities as a contractual obligation held by various private-sector annuity companies; winnings not directly government backed.

To be fair, typical large jackpots, while seemingly relatively huge, are small change for annuity companies, so it's highly unlikely any of them would default so badly they couldn't pay out, but it could happen. A lot can chang... [ More ]

Comment #25

KY Floyd — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 05:13:08 GMT

Since the Illinois Comptroller is not performing their job

Based on the story you posted 2 weeks ago it appears that the comptroller is doing exactly what his job requires - not writing checks because the lack of a budget means he doesn't have the proper authority to do so. It also seems clear that it's not actually a lottery problem. Under Illinois law rather than having the lottery disburse large winnings it's done by the state comptroller. Based on that it seems to me that the plaintiffs... [ More ]

Comment #24

Coin Toss — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 04:11:22 GMT

DRenick1,

That's what I'm doing, scratchers that pay under $25K, Pick 3/4.

Right now the Lucky Day Lotto is $450,000 but what's the point of playing it

Comment #23

Drenick1 — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 03:12:28 GMT

The only winners in this fiasco are the attorneys. Knowing the financial circumstances why in the world would anyone purchase any lottery ticket that had a potential prize of more than $25k?

Stick to pick 3/4 drawings or purchase your larger prize tickets like Powerball or Mega Millions in a neighboring state.

Comment #22

Coin Toss — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:37:14 GMT

I remember a business law teacher saying that putting coins in a soda machine was an implied contract between you and the machine. Once you put the coins in you rightfully expect the machine to deliver the soda.

I'm no lawyer but wouldn't the payout schedule on the back of the play slip or the possible prizes on a scratcher be an implied contract, once the ticket is played or the scratcher is purchased

Comment #21

Teddi — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:13:51 GMT

I was wondering why it was taking so long for someone to sue to get their money. About time. I still don't understand why they are being allowed to sell tickets when they have no plans on actually paying anyone until they feel like it. It most certainly is fraud. How many ponzi schemers are serving jail time right now because they promised to pay out money and didn't, yet these idiots should be given a pass because they get to hide behind bureaucratic red tape? Absolutely not. Hopefully this cas... [ More ]

Comment #20

Romancandle — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 23:29:20 GMT

Exactly

Our family can't agree on a budget... Does this mean we can skip out on this year's tax bill

Comment #19

DELotteryPlyr — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 22:36:59 GMT

NICE!!!!

This should be a WAKE UP CALL to all states - dont do what IL did.

Comment #18

Freedom777 — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 22:17:20 GMT

Glad they are suing. These folks beat the odds to win a nice prize and now they can't collect. That's just wrong.

Comment #17

Erzulieredeyes — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:32:38 GMT

This news story is the exact reason why I would choose the lump sum no matter what.

The State should be responsible in paying interest until they make right on their payment and temporarily stop all lottery sales they cannot afford to payout, or at the very least, make everyone aware that they will not be paid right away until they sort everything out.

Comment #16

zephbe — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:08:25 GMT

This should cut down lottery sales. Does anyone know if it has? Why by a ticket for a game that won't be paid if it is over $25,000

Comment #15

mjwinsmith — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:06:41 GMT

And that is if you got good credit, LOL (Smile).

Comment #14

mjwinsmith — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 21:03:02 GMT

Amen

Illinois should pay interest on the winnings from date of win to date of payment @ 18.90% interest, same rate the Banks charge on credit card purchases.

Comment #13

Long Odds — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:28:22 GMT

This situation seemingly eliminates any quandary as to the annuity payment-cash value option where applicable- get your money and eliminate your government partner ASAP.

Comment #12

spartan1707 — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:11:08 GMT

Well said

Comment #11

JADELottery — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:35:44 GMT

Back in Wisconsin and here we call 'em FIB's.

'I' is for Illinois.

Now, the 'B' has a new name, Bureaucrats.

If you want to know what the 'F' is, you can guess, or PM us.

Comment #10

RJOh — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:55:55 GMT

I'm sure Illinois is honoring its commitment to transfer 30% of its sales to MUSL for the MM and PB jackpots or they wouldn't be selling PB and MM tickets. Government can't and won't be any more responsible than the people elected to run it. Irresponsible politicians should be booted out of government.

Comment #9

Todd — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:41:43 GMT

Since the Illinois Comptroller is not performing their job and signing lottery winner checks during the budget talks, then they should not be receiving a paycheck -- either now or retroactively when the budget is finalized.

This story highlights the tremendous chasm of responsibility and fairness between the private sector and government. This is the reason people are fed up with government and are turning to private sector folks like Donald Trump to get things done.

Comment #8

Scratch$ — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:17:35 GMT

Illinois deserves to be sued. Best of luck to the plaintiffs.

Comment #7

Coin Toss — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:07:54 GMT

If they can't pay it they shouldn't book it.

Comment #6

Gleno — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:11:27 GMT

Great to read that the winner is taking legal action against the Illinois Lottery.

Comment #5

MADDOG10 — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:44:44 GMT

Now is the Time to get these people out of their elected jobs, and renew the whole field. The Lottery should be a Totally different Entity, and not connected to any type of State budget. The Lottery Fund is just that , The fund for the Lottery.

Comment #4

CDanaT — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:44:40 GMT

Well fellow LPer's, there we have it. 1 of 50 state governments(not including the A** clowns in Washington DC) that are in typical BS chaos when it comes to running something as simple as a lottery. Something that generates money by voluntary participation, NOT A TAX mind you, just a simple exchange of money by an individual who says, here is my money for your ticket to legally allow a chance to win some or a large sum of money. The government saying, sure, we will take your money but anything o... [ More ]

Comment #3

RJOh — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:34:21 GMT

Since lotteries are suppose to generate the funds that pay the prizes totally independent of the state budget it does seem strange that the state would continue to sell tickets, collect the monies and not paid the prizes. Most of the money for the MM prize came from other states that contributed 30% of their sales to the jackpot.

Comment #2

sully16 — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:25:07 GMT

Massive mismanagement.

Comment #1

zinniagirl — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:23:16 GMT

Sure didnt take long for the lawyers to get involved...

Illinois lottery winners file class-action lawsuit against state

Lottery Post — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:59:56 GMT

Includes video report

Rhonda Rasche had a great plan for the $50,000 she won from a scratch-off Illinois Lottery ticket.

She wanted to help her best friend cope with the loss of her mother.

I wanted to take her and her sister on a trip because they were doing at-home hospice for her, and it was pretty tough on all of them emotionally [and] physically, said Rasche, 48, of Homer Glen.

She never made that trip. Instead, Rasche became one of two plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit file... [ More ]