The Illinois Lottery has stopped paying jackpot winners due to the state’s budget crisis.

The state’s fiscal year began July 1 but bickering politicians have yet to pass a budget. As such, the state is only distributing funds for essential services, which evidently doesn’t include the Lottery. But the Lottery is a state agency, and it says it has been forced to stop processing payouts of jackpots over $25k.

Lottery spokesman Stephen Rossi insisted that the money is in the Lottery’s accounts and that “all winners will be paid in full as soon as the Lottery and the Illinois comptroller have the legislative authority to do so.” Lottery winnings of $600 or less can still be cashed at participating retailers, while prizes between $600 and $25k can be redeemed at official Lottery claims centers.

Jackpot winners are understandably miffed at the Lottery’s stalling, but it’s unclear whether the bad publicity is having a negative effect on sales. Meanwhile, one local wag couldn’t help reminiscing that the infamous Chicago Outfit bookies were far better about paying their winning bettors because they knew not doing so was bad for business.