Illinois lottery payments are on hold and winners are being considered "unlucky" as the state still hasn't passed its budget, which would allow them to receive their promised payouts, according to ABC 7 Chicago. Now, any winners of more than $600 will receive an IOU for their winnings to be paid at an undetermined later date, thanks to the budget deadlock.
Illinois state officials announced Wednesday that winners wouldn't be able to collect more than $600 at their local retailers, or receive any additional winnings owed to them until the prolonged budget stalemate is over.
The Illinois Lottery announced in a statement that as of Thursday, the account used for lottery winnings would be empty, and they do not have the legal authority to replenish their own funds - that is a decision made by the legislature, who have sole authority to authorize the state's release of more funds.
"Once a budget is passed in Springfield, all outstanding claims will be paid," the statement read.
"We don't have the legislative authority to replenish our check-writing account," lottery spokesman Steve Rossi said, according to CNBC.
A federal lawsuit against the Illinois Lottery is already in the works from two lottery winners not paid more than $25,000 because of the budget stall. The lawsuit seeks to have lottery winners receive all monies due, plus an additional amount of five percent interest, according to FOX News. In addition, it asks that all administrative and operational costs be unpaid until winners receive their winnings. Dozens of winners are waiting for over $288 million already.
"If I was the one selling raffle tickets and I didn't pay, I would be sued or in jail or both," Rhonda Rasche, one of the winners that had filed the lawsuit against the Illinois State Lottery, said.
