CHICAGO — The new Illinois budget — finally approved after an impasse that stretched more than two years — is already paying dividends.
Gamblers feeling lucky can again purchase chances to win Mega Millions and Powerball, which stopped selling tickets June 28 with the deadline for a state spending plan looming.
"The Illinois Lottery is pleased to announce that sales of Mega Millions have resumed, and players may purchase tickets at any of the Lottery’s nearly 8,000 retail partners, via our mobile app, or at IllinoisLottery.com. We appreciate the loyalty of our players and retail partners as we continue our mission to fund K-12 education."
The lottery contributes approximately $90 million annually to the state, which earmarks it for education.
In addition, the winners of prizes exceeding $25,000 will no longer have their payments delayed, officials said.
The Powerball jackpot is $140 million, with a drawing set for Saturday.
The Mega Millions jackpot is $186 million, with a drawing set for Friday evening.