Illinois Lottery

Game Portfolio

The Illinois Lottery operates as a key revenue engine for the state of Illinois, with all net proceeds directed to the Common School Fund (since 1985) and, through its specialty scratch‑ticket program, to a variety of charitable causes including homelessness, Alzheimer’s research, breast cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, police memorials, Special Olympics, veterans’ programs, the United Negro College Fund, and the DREAM Fund.

The lottery’s game portfolio is segmented into traditional draw games, instant scratch‑off tickets, and a growing iLottery offering. Draw games include the multi‑state Powerball and Mega Millions – both of which have produced billion‑dollar jackpots in recent years – as well as in‑state draws such as Lotto (a 6/52 game), Lucky Day Lotto (a 5/45 game with daily drawings), Pick 3 and Pick 4 (each with a FIREBALL™ option), and FastPlay™, which offers instant‑win digital draws. Scratch‑off tickets are sold in a wide range of price points and themes, with some tied to the specialty cause program.

Digital Transformation

The iLottery platform, powered by Allwyn North America, allows players to purchase tickets for draw games and instant‑win games online, check results, and submit claims electronically via the e‑claims system. The platform also includes a mobile app for iOS and Android, which provides ticket scanning, account management, and push notifications for jackpots. In FY2025, iLottery sales reached a record $702 million, representing roughly 19% of total sales and growing 8% year‑over‑year in the first half of FY2026.

Retail Network

The Illinois Lottery’s retail network encompasses thousands of licensed retailers across the state, including convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and dedicated lottery kiosks. Retailers earn commissions on ticket sales and bonuses for selling winning tickets. In FY2025, retailers received $172 million in commissions and bonuses.

Oversight and Management

The lottery is subject to oversight by the Illinois Department of the Lottery, whose Director is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Illinois Senate. Day‑to‑day operations are managed by Allwyn North America under a contract that began in 2018, following a competitive bidding process. Allwyn’s responsibilities include product development, marketing, technology, retailer management, and iLottery operations. The partnership has been credited with modernizing the lottery’s digital infrastructure and driving sustained sales growth.

Financial Performance

Despite a nationwide slowdown in lottery sales during FY2025 (largely due to the absence of multiple billion‑dollar jackpots), the Illinois Lottery achieved its second‑highest sales year and fifth‑best net income year. This performance was driven by strong iLottery adoption, effective retailer incentives, and two historic Powerball jackpot runs in the second half of FY2025, which collectively generated nearly $180 million in sales and contributed $72 million to the Common School Fund.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the lottery continues to focus on responsible growth, player safety, and digital innovation. New game introductions, such as the HotWins instant‑win series, aim to engage a broader player base, while the Allwyn partnership ensures access to global best practices in lottery management and technology.