Whole lotto IOUs

I remember back when the New York Lottery used to run commercials that teased you with "It could happen!"  Unless you're in Illinois.  Chicago Tribune: "News Illinois Lottery sued for not paying winnings due to state budget impasse."

A pair of lottery winners have filed a federal lawsuit against the Illinois Lottery, which still is selling tickets despite its inability to pay prizes greater than $25,000 until state lawmakers pass a budget.

If people can't grasp the remote probability of winning the lottery, maybe the proximate probability of not getting paid will convince them to save their money.