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N.J. Gov. proposes using lottery funds to fix pension holeNews Story
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie used his budget address Tuesday to take a final stab at saving government worker pensions, proposing to dedicate revenues from lottery ticket sales to the distressed fund. Christie suggested the state transfer the lottery to public pensions to provide a dedicated source of revenue and dramatically reduce the amount actuaries say the state owes. Christie said pledging the lottery as an asset to the pension fund would have the same effect as a cash infusion, s
Mar 1, 2017, 7:39 pm - Lottery News

Illinois Lottery winners again might not get paidNews Story
People who've waited more than a year for Illinois leaders to finish a state budget might start to feel like the prospects of a compromise are similar to the odds of winning the lottery. Now, Illinois Lottery winners might again face the prospects of not being paid their jackpots in a timely manner if no spending deal is struck by the end of the month. Last year, lottery winners sued the state to get their payouts and eventually did after Gov. Bruce Rauner and lawmakers agreed on a patchwo
Jun 17, 2016, 12:03 pm - Lottery News

Deal struck, Illinois Lottery winners to be paidNews Story
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Democrats on Wednesday struck a rare agreement, compromising on a plan to release more than $3.1 billion to pay Illinois Lottery winners and help cities and towns operate 911 centers, plow roads and train firefighters. Normally, municipalities receive a share of gas tax, 911 surcharge and gambling revenue to help prop up day-to-day operations, but those dollars have been on hold due to the state budget impasse. Legislation passed 107-1 by the House would
Dec 3, 2015, 10:42 am - Lottery News

Illinois Lottery sales lowest in two yearsNews Story
Our winners will be paid, Illinois Lottery Superintendent B.R. Lane said. After nearly three months of withholding payments due to the state budget impasse, the Illinois Lottery said it's not if winners will get their cash -- but when. The Illinois Lottery saw a significant drop in ticket sales from September to October, which coincides with the state budget stalemate. Because they're not sure when they'll be paid, our players are buying fewer tickets. It's really that simple, Lane said.
Nov 12, 2015, 11:33 am - Lottery News

Democrats hold up lottery payouts after Illinois Gov. compromisesNews Story
After Illinois' Republican Governor Bruce Rauner froze the funds that pay out Illinois Lottery earnings last month, the governor made a compromise this week to get the funds flowing again. Now, however, the governor's office says it's the Democrats who are holding up the payouts. House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25th) filed a motion to reconsider on House Bill 4305 after the House passed it yesterday with a 115-1 vote. The bill would free up tax money that has already been collec
Nov 11, 2015, 6:45 pm - Lottery News

Winners suing Illinois Lottery try to rope in other statesNews Story
Multi-state lottery groups pushed back on Monday against a move by lottery winners in Illinois to drag dozens of states into a lawsuit against the Illinois Lottery's suspension of payments. Illinois has halted payments on winnings of $600 or more due to the state's ongoing budget impasse. A class action originally filed in September in U.S. District Court in Chicago seeking to force the Illinois Lottery to pay winners was amended last week to add as defendants lottery agencies in 43 states
Nov 9, 2015, 10:14 pm - Lottery News

Illinois Lottery is not paying, but people are still playingNews Story
Joe Joost and several other city truck drivers thought they won $1 million in September. However, they have yet to see a dime because the state comptroller has said they can't make payouts over $25,000 because the state hasn't approved a budget. In October, that payout limit was further reduced to just $600. One state lawmaker says the Illinois Lottery is committing fraud, but Joost simply can't understand why people continue to play. They announce they're not paying but yet they're st
Nov 3, 2015, 9:13 am - Lottery News

Illinois border states report increased lottery salesNews Story
With Illinois delaying payouts of more than $600 because of its budget mess, neighboring states are salivating at the chance to boost their own lottery sales. Businesses near borders, particularly in Indiana, Kentucky and Iowa, say they've already noticed a difference. The Lottery problems stemming from Illinois' budget impasse have led to a lawsuit and come amid questions about Illinois revenues and a shake-up in lottery management. Many gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores in
Oct 27, 2015, 9:54 am - Lottery News

'Daily Show' knocks Illinois for shortchanging lottery winners during budget battleNews Story
Includes video report The ongoing budget impasse in Illinois was under the heat of the national spotlight this week when the 'Daily Show' took a jab at the state for its treatment of lottery winners during the stalemate. One of the show's correspondents Jordan Klepper headed to central Illinois to speak with Danny Chasteen and Susan Rick, who have won $250,000 in the Illinois lottery, but have yet to receive their winnings. The lottery is not paying individuals who have won more than $600
Oct 25, 2015, 9:36 am - Lottery News

Illinois lottery players crossing border to play in other statesNews Story
Players lose confidence as budget stalemate halts winner payouts Randall Lobello of Bensenville said he still plans to buy lottery tickets, despite the Illinois Lottery's announcement Wednesday that even more winners will be getting IOUs. He'll just play in another state, one where winnings would be paid out immediately. I do a lot of traveling; I would just jump to the border and go to Wisconsin, said Lobello, 47. I used to buy lottery tickets in Illinois, but I'm not purchasing them
Oct 17, 2015, 9:17 am - Lottery News