Illinois Lottery winners can officially collect their prizes under a new bill signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner Monday.
The bill gives the Illinois Lottery the legal authority to resume all prize payouts, the lottery said in a statement.
“It allows the Illinois Lottery to fully return to the business of supporting education, capital projects, and select charitable causes throughout the state,” Acting Director B.R. Lane said in a statement. “We are excited to be back and look forward to a revitalized experience for our players.”
Payments to several lottery winners have been delayed since July 1 due to the budget impasse in Springfield. Only prizes under $600 could be collected.
Winners who have already submitted claims will have their paperwork processes in the order it was received, according to lottery officials.
The lottery is expected to begin processing new claims beginning Dec. 14.
