New bill finally means money is available to big lotto winners in Illinois

Christmas has come early for Danny Chasteen of Oglesby.

State lawmakers Monday approved money for state lotto winners meaning Chasteen should soon get his $250,000 payout. He won big on a scratch off ticket in July but was never paid because of the state not having a budget. The state has been withholding money to anyone who won $600 or more.

Chasteen lawyered up with other lotto winners and has sued the state to try and claim his money plus interest. The suit claimed the lottery committed fraud by advertising and selling tickets without being able to pay the winnings.

Winners who already turned in their winning tickets will have their paperwork processed first. The lottery expects to start paying out next week once money is transferred into their accounts.