(CHICAGO) If you’re looking to make a bundle quick, you might find another option than the Illinois Lottery. As of Thursday, anyone who wins more than $600 will have to wait until the state’s budget impasse is over to get their cash.
The Illinois Lottery believes its check-writing account will be exhausted as of Oct. 15 and it does not have the legal authority to replenish its funds, according to a statement from the lottery.
Since last summer, IOUs have been given to winners of more than $25,000, but as of Thursday, the threshold will be lowered to $600, according to the lottery.
As of July 1—the start of the state’s fiscal year—the Illinois Comptroller’s office has not had the legal authority to dispense winnings as the state has no set budget in place.
Those who won more than $25,000 “have experienced payment delays,” the lottery said. Those who won less than $25,000 continued to receive their winnings at lottery claim centers, according to the lottery.
As of Thursday, players who win $600 or less can still receive their winnings at any lottery retail location.
