CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Lottery ticket sales have plummeted since lottery officials announced delaying payouts over $600 because of the state budget impasse.

Data obtained by The Associated Press through a public information request show that gross sales in October were the lowest yet in 2015. Sales include instant and Powerball tickets.

The lottery announced in mid-October that anyone winning over $600 wouldn't get their money right away because money used to pay those winnings was running out.

That followed a late August announcement that payouts over $25,000 would be delayed because there wasn't authority to cut checks that big.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative Democrats are deadlocked on a state budget agreement.

Lottery spokesman Steve Rossi says the impasse affects the lottery's ability to pay.

Some winners have already sued.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From WROK 1440 AM / 96.1 FM