Lottery players will no longer be able to purchase Powerball or Mega Millions tickets in Illinois after the end of this month due to the ongoing state budget impasse, lottery officials said Thursday.
“It is disappointing that the Legislature’s inability to pass a budget has led to this development and will result in Illinois Lottery players being denied the opportunity to play these popular games,” acting Illinois Lottery Director Greg Smith said in a written statement. “This is why it’s so critical the General Assembly deliver a balanced budget to the governor’s desk that he can sign.”