PA Lottery Now on Facebook, Twitter

Players Encouraged to Engage and Interact Online

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., June 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Lottery now has a presence on Facebook and Twitter, interim Executive Director Drew Svitko said today.

"We know players are eager to share their winning experiences in the social space, and we're very excited to actively join these communities and conversations," said Svitko. "By engaging with people on Facebook and Twitter, we hope to create awareness of our games and how they provide funding for programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians."

Through customized tabs, visitors to the Lottery's Facebook page will find:

• Information on Lottery games, including jackpots and the most recent winning numbers;
• Information on the VIP Players Club and the latest Lottery promotions;
• Photos and information on Lottery winners across the state;
• Information on the programs funded by Lottery proceeds that benefit older Pennsylvanians, every day;
• Information on where to find a Pennsylvania Lottery retailer and how to become a Lottery retailer; and
• Opportunity to engage the Lottery and its fans and followers in online dialogue.

Pennsylvania Lottery tweets on Twitter will provide followers with updates on special promotions, jackpots, featured instant games, Lottery winners, benefits and other Lottery fun facts in which followers express interest.

"We encourage everyone to connect with the Pennsylvania Lottery to get the latest news and information by joining us on Facebook and Twitter," said Svitko. "We look forward to interacting with Lottery players, potential players, winners, beneficiaries and anyone who is simply curious about the Pennsylvania Lottery and how it benefits older Pennsylvanians, every day.

"We're very proud of our unique mission, and social media provides another avenue for us to share that pride and promote to a broad audience in a fun and effective way."

Lottery's social media presence carefully considers the sensitivity of marketing an age-restricted product. Access to its Facebook page is restricted to users 18 years of age and older, and Lottery's Twitter account clarifies followers and players must be 18 or older.

Additionally, both Lottery's Facebook and Twitter accounts encourage responsible play and feature the Compulsive Gambling Hotline.

More than two dozen U.S. Lotteries, including those of neighboring Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia, have Facebook or Twitter accounts.

About the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception in 1971, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed nearly $20.6 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free transit and reduced-fare shared rides; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; long-term living services; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state. The Pennsylvania Lottery reminds its players to play responsibly. Players must be 18 or older.

For more information, visit www.palottery.com, log into Facebook and like us at www.facebook.com/palottery or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery.  

Media contact: Elizabeth Brassell, 717-787-6960

SOURCE Pennsylvania Lottery