Allwyn’s strategic management of Illinois contract outperforms every other lottery in the US for the second consecutive fiscal year
October 2025 – The Illinois Lottery leads every other lottery in the United States for year-over-year sales performance for the second consecutive fiscal year, delivering critical funding for Illinois schools and communities during one of the most challenging years in the lottery industry

The Illinois Lottery achieved the best performance of all North American lotteries in FY25—a year marked by significant headwinds across the lottery sector due to the absence of major multistate jackpots that typically drive sales.

• Top National Performance: Illinois posted a decline of just 2.6% year-over-year—the best performance in the nation—while every other lottery declined by 3% or more.

• Growing Instant Sales: Illinois ranks in the top 10 nationally for total instant ticket sales and continues to grow this portfolio even as three out of four lotteries nationwide experience declining instant sales.

• Near-Record Sales Without Jackpots: FY25 delivered the second-highest annual sales figure in Illinois Lottery history—achieved without a single multistate jackpot exceeding $1 billion.

This marks the second consecutive year Illinois has led the nation in year-over-year sales growth, cementing the state’s position as a model for sustainable lottery performance.

Since the current Private Management Agreement with Allwyn was executed in 2018, the Illinois Lottery has delivered exceptional results for taxpayers:

• Record net income in three of the past four fiscal years
• Record sales in three of the past four fiscal years
• More than $9 billion transferred to the Common School Fund and good causes.

The lottery’s FY25 performance is particularly notable given the challenging environment. In a fiscal year without any billion-dollar jackpots, which typically generate significant spikes in sales, Illinois still achieved its second-best sales result through strategic game innovation and portfolio diversification—creating a more stable, sustainable revenue stream for education funding.

The Illinois Lottery’s outperformance reflects strategic investments in modernization and player experience:

• Digital Leadership: Record online sales of $702 million in FY25—the highest draw-based game sales online of any U.S. lottery—with continued year-over-year growth in active players.

• Retail Innovation: Introduction of cashless payment options on vending machines and data-driven optimization of machine placements to improve convenience.

• Diversified Game Portfolio: Expansion of FastPlay games available in-store, online, and via Scan-N-Play, plus instant tickets across multiple price points, including a new $50 option.

“The Illinois Lottery’s consistent leadership demonstrates what’s possible when you combine strategic management with a commitment to innovation and responsible growth,” said Keith Horton, General Manager of Allwyn North America, the lottery’s private manager. “These results mean more funding for Illinois classrooms and communities at a time when stable revenue sources matter most.”

Every dollar in Lottery sales supports the Common School Fund, which provides critical funding for K-12 education across Illinois. Allwyn’s ability to deliver consistent lottery performance—particularly without relying on unpredictable jackpot spikes—ensures more reliable funding for these essential programs.

Lottery sales data is collected by La Fleurs and published annually, providing a statistical report ranking U.S. and Canadian lotteries. For more information, visit www.lafleurs.com.