Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings
- Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Against
- Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Losses
- Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Tax
- Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Money
Illinois Gambling and Lottery Laws Lotteries, casinos, race tracks, and other games of chance often are proposed as ways to raise tax revenue for the state, with varying results. Illinois runs a statewide lottery and also allows floating casinos (typically on riverboats) and horse racing venues. Under HB 271, on an annual basis the state will collect 0.2% of total gross sports wagering revenue for the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund. Another 0.2% goes to the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs for similar initiatives related to problem gambling.
LEARN MORECongratulations! Let’s walk through how to claim your winnings. Start by selecting one of the options below, based on the amount you won.
For Prizes Up To $600
Most Illinois Lottery retailers will cash winning tickets that are up to $600. Their ability to cash winning tickets is subject to fund availability and the individual retailer’s preference. These prizes may also be claimed by mail.
Prizes Over $600, Including Prizes of $1 Million and Above
Although four Claims Centers are open by appointment only, we encourage winners to claim their prizes via mail. For those interested in booking an appointment at a Claim Center, please see below.
Follow these steps to claim your win by mail:
Print and fill out the claim form and winner questionnaire, which are both available in the claim packet here.
Sign the back of your ticket, make a copy of both sides, and make a copy of your completed claim form and winner’s questionnaire
If you played and won online, you don’t need to print your ticket or receipt. Simply note the game, amount, and that you won online on the form. Also, be sure your name on the form matches the name on your online Illinois Lottery account.
Place ticket/form in an envelope addressed to:
Illinois Lottery Claims Department
P.O. Box 19080
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9912
Mail-in claim via USPS with return address via registered mail.
If you have any questions about mailing your claim, email the Illinois Lottery Claims Department at LOT.Claims@illinois.gov.
If you’ve won over $1 million please call the Illinois Lottery Claims Department at (217) 524-5147 immediately!
Schedule an Appointment
Due to the high volume of claims that require processing and to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible, claiming your prize at a Claim Center will be by appointment only. To set up your appointment, please select a Claim Center location, date, and time from the available time slots on that day.
You Won? You Won!
Congratulations! Let’s walk through how to claim your winnings. Start by selecting one of the options below based on the amount you won.
Illinois Lottery Extends Prize Claim Period for Lottery Prizes
The Illinois Lottery has extended the timeframe in which winners can claim prizes during the COVID-19 crisis. For players with prizes that were set to expire between now and July 31, 2020, the Lottery is extending the time allowed for players to claim those winning tickets through July 31, 2020.
For instant ticket game expiration dates please see https://www.illinoislottery.com/about-the-games/game-expiration-dates
To check draw-based game results by date, please see https://www.illinoislottery.com/results-hub.
Players with questions can contact the Player Hotline at 1-800-252-1775 or support@illinoislottery.com.
For Prizes Up To $600
Although most local lottery retailers will cash winning tickets that are up to $600. Their ability to cash winning tickets is subject to fund availability and the individual retailer’s preference.
You can also cash lower denomination winning lottery tickets (up to $600) at any of the Prize Claim Centers around the state. Note: the JRTC claim center is currently closed.
We encourage players to mail your winning ticket along with a completed claim form to the Illinois Lottery Claims Department. See instructions of how to mail in a prize claim.
Prizes Over $600, Including Prizes of $1 Million and Above
When you visit a prize center for any prize over $600, you need a photo ID and your social security card or an official document containing your social security number. For information on current claim center process see Updates from the Illinois Lottery.
Due to our claim centers being closed, we are asking winners to claim prizes via mail. Follow these steps to claim your win:
For prizes greater than $25,000, you may select to have your winnings directly deposited into your bank account. If you choose this option, you must complete and submit the original direct deposit form, along with a voided check, in person to a prize claim center or by mail to the following address:
Illinois Lottery Claims Department
P.O. Box 19080
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9912
If you have any questions on mailing your claim, email the Illinois Lottery Claims Department at LOT.Claims@illinois.gov.
If you won over $1 million please call the Illinois Lottery Claims Department at (217)-524-5147 immediately!
Prizes Won Online
When you play online, winnings under $600 are automatically added to your account.
Winnings over $600 need to be processed by the Illinois Lottery Claims department either in person at one of our claim centers or by mail. See instructions of how to mail in a prize claim below.
Claim prize via mail
If you would like to mail in your claim instead of visiting a prize claim center. Follow these steps to claim your win by mail:
Sign the back of your ticket
Print and fill out a claim form and winner questionnaire
Make and keep a copy of your ticket and claim form
Place the original ticket, claim form and winner questionnaire in an envelope
Include your return address on the envelope
Address the envelope to:
Illinois Lottery Claims Department
P.O. Box 19080
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9912
Mail your claim via registered mail
NOTE: If the button above does not work please copy/paste the URL below into your browser:
In order to successfully claim your prize, we ask players to follow these guidelines on the day of their appointment:
- Bring a mask and wear it at all times in the Claim Center.
- Bring a completed claim form and winner questionnaire, found in a single downloadbale packet here.
- Bring a photo ID and proof of Social Security number. Acceptable documents include: Social Security card, federal or state tax return, W-2 or W-2G tax statement, etc.
- Sign your winning ticket and bring it with you.
- Please come to the Claim Center alone, unless assistance is needed.
No walk-ins will be accepted.
Claims FAQ
What happens if I have multiple tickets to claim?
Congratulations on your winning streak! You may redeem multiple tickets in a single Claim Center appointment. Please fill out a claim form for each winning ticket, and make your Claim Center appointment above.
Can I collect my prize via direct deposit?
Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Against
For prizes greater than $25,000, you may select to have your winnings directly deposited into your bank account. If you choose this option, you must complete and submit the original direct deposit form, along with a voided check, in-person to a prize Claim Center or by mail to the following address:
Illinois Lottery Claims Department
P.O. Box 19080
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9912
What do I need to bring to the claim center?
When you come to the Claim Center, make sure you bring the following:
A mask and wear it at all times in the Claim Center.
Bring a completed claim form and winner questionnaire.
- A Photo ID
- Bring proof of SSN (any one of the acceptable items listed below).
- Social Security card
- W-2or W-2G
- 1099 form
- Paystub (with your name and full Social Security number on it).
- Social Security Administration documents
- Federal or State tax return
Signed winning ticket
What happens if I won online?
When you play online, winnings under $600 are automatically added to your account.
Winnings over $600 must be processed either in person at one of our Claim Centers or by mail. See instructions on how to mail in a prize claim above.
Winner's HandBook
View the Illinois Lottery Winner's Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
View the Winning FAQs for more information.
Prize Claim Center Locations
Reminder! When you visit a claim center to file a claim for any prize amount over $600, you need to bring a photo ID, AND your Social Security Card or some acceptable means of verifying your Social Security Number.
Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Losses
CHICAGO James R. Thompson Center | DES PLAINES Regional Office 1, 2, & 6 | ROCKFORD Regional Office 3 |
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS Illinois Lottery, Region 4 | SPRINGFIELD Regional Office 5 & Lottery Central Prize Center Region 5 Telephone: 217/321-4751 Lottery Central/Player Hotline |
| Holiday | 2020 |
| New Year's Day | Wednesday, January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Day | Monday, January 20 |
| Lincoln's Birthday | Wednesday, February 12 |
| President's Day | Monday, February 17 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 |
| Independence Day | Friday, July 3 (Observed) |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 |
| General Election Day | Tuesday, November 3 |
| Veteran's Day | Wednesday, November 11 |
| Thanksgiving | Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27 |
| Christmas | Friday, December 25 |
Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Tax
What Play Makes Possible
By law, profits from all regular Lottery games are deposited into the state's Common School Fund, supporting kindergarten through 12th grade public education. Illinois students and schoolrooms receive nearly $731 million per year in Lottery revenue - about 9.6% of the state's annual contribution to K-12 education. (That's a lot of chalk).
Illinois Department Of Revenue Gambling Winnings Money
The Illinois Lottery is additionally mandated to conduct Lottery games that benefit specific causes. The lottery supports the Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure, the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund, Red Ribbon Cash (HIV/AIDS Prevention), MS Mission Move (supports Multiple Sclerosis Research), and Special Olympics. Learn more about the specific causes Illinois Lottery helps.