Powerball and Mega Millions ticket sales could be halted in Illinois, here's why



CHICAGO -- The Illinois Lottery announced Powerball and Mega Millions tickets won't be sold in the state after this week due to the state budget crisis.

Powerball sales end tonight while Mega Millions will follow on Friday.

Lawmakers have until Friday to strike a budget deal before the special session ends.

House Speaker Mike Madigan submitted his proposal, without offering specifics on how to pay for 36 billion in spending.

Republicans and Governor Rauner says it's impossible to tell if Madigan's proposal is balanced.

While the Illinois lottery will continue to hold drawings, anyone who wins more than $25,000 dollars will have their prize payments delayed.

Without a state budget, there's no appropriation to pay the multi-state lottery agency that runs Powerball and Mega Millions.

There’s also no authorization to pay local lottery winners.

“Players should be confident knowing the Illinois Lottery has the money to pay these winning claims,” Illinois Lottery Acting Director Greg Smith said in a statement. “That means the General Assembly needs to approve a truly balanced budget that includes Lottery funding in order to ensure all prize payments will occur.”

Here is what the suspension of ticket sales means for Powerball: 


    Here is what the suspension of ticket sales means for Mega Millions: 


      More details on prize payment