By Illinois News Network
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration has reached a deal to terminate the relationship a company has with the state in managing the Illinois Lottery.
The move comes shortly after a government report showed the Lotto lost money for the first time since 2009.
Northstar Lottery Group will manage the lotto until 2017 or when a new private manager is found. The new business will also be able to select its own supplier of services.
The original deal with the lottery management group was struck with an exiting Governor Pat Quinn.
Acting Director B.R.Lane said the new agreement will save the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while also allowing the Lottery to select a new partner that will help the agency grow and better serve its customers.
The Lottery still isn’t paying out any winnings over $25,000 since there is no state budget in place for Fiscal Year 2016.