Illinois Lottery and Mega Millions

The Illinois Lottery, with sales of $1.59 billion in Fiscal Year 2003, is the fourth largest revenue generator in the state, contributing more than half a billion dollars annually to the State of Illinois.

With operating expenses of only 4 percent of sales, the Illinois Lottery is one of the most cost-efficient and profitable lotteries in the world.

When the Illinois Lottery began in 1974, proceeds were not earmarked for education. In 1985, a law was enacted to deposit all Illinois Lottery profits in the state’s Common School Fund (CSF), which helps finance K-12 public schools throughout Illinois.

Illinois Lottery proceeds of $540 million in fiscal year 2003 represent about 7 percent of the state’s contribution to schools - or 3 percent of the total $19.52 billion spent on education from all sources (state, local, and federal). Thus, while the Lottery is a significant source of revenue, it has never been - nor will be - the primary source of school funding.

During Fiscal Year 2003, 28 players joined the list
of Illinois Lottery millionaires, which registered 1,042
people at year’s end.

As the Illinois Lottery enters its 30th year, it has contributed more than $11.7 billion to the state.

You select 6 numbers from 52. All six numbers are required to win first prize. There are 4 levels of prizes.

Click here to go to the Illinois Lottery's home page. The Illinois Lottery's home page will open in a new window, so when you are finished, just close it by clicking on the x in its upper right corner.

The NetLotto program has rules for the Illinois Lottery (as well as the multi-state lottery game Mega Millions) built right in. To start using NetLotto to dramatically improve your chances of winning the Illinois Lottery and Mega Millions, click here.

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