About Us
Lottery Background
The Illinois Lottery generates essential funding for the State of Illinois. Lottery profits initially went to the State's General Revenue Fund, until legislation was passed in 1985 earmarking profits for the Common School Fund, which is still the Illinois Lottery's major benefactor. Since 1985, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $24 billion to the Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools.
In 2006, the Illinois Lottery launched its first "specialty instant game". The Illinois Lottery now offers a number of annual specialty tickets that generate money for good causes, including Special Olympics, MS, HIV/AIDS research, veterans support, breast cancer research, police memorials, homelessness prevention, and Alzhiemer’s support. Between 2010 and 2022, the Illinois Lottery also contributed to the Capital Projects Fund, which helps build and renovate State roads and bridges.
The Department of Lottery, which oversees the Illinois Lottery, operates under the direction of its Director, Harold Mays, and is assisted by the Lottery Control Board. It operates from locations in Chicago, Springfield, Des Plaines, Rockford and Fairview Heights. There are approximately 154 full and part-time employees. Please see below for the Department of Lottery’s functional subdivisions:
Lottery Statutes and Rules
Learn more about our governing statutes and rules.
Illinois Lottery Administrative Code
Illinois Lottery Administrative Code II
Financial Information
Find all the information you’ll need on Illinois Lottery financials including Illinois Lottery securities, locally held funds, Illinois Lottery private management, sales and expenses.
The FY23 enacted budget is approximately $2.2 billion, of which, $2.0 billion is allocated for prizes paid to winners.
Annual Reports
Business Opportunities
Both the Illinois Lottery and its private manager, Allwyn provide opportunities to do business in support of the Illinois Lottery. Learn more about current procurement opportunities and links to forms you’ll need to apply.
ADA Resources for Retailers
In 2011, the Department of Justice revised its regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The resources below will assist retailers in understanding how this new regulation may apply to them and describes federal tax incentives that may help cover access improvement costs for customers with disabilities:
ADA Update: A Primer for Small Business
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Press & Media Center
We’ve got news to share! Take a moment to read our past and new press releases.