Illinois Lottery Encourages Responsible Gift-Giving

CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Lottery is reminding players that while holiday instant games can be great gifts and/or stocking stuffers, they are only intended for adults. Today, Lottery Director Michael Jones reminded retailers and customers that Lottery tickets can only be legally purchased by adults--and should only be given to those age 18 and older.

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"Discouraging underage and excessive play is something the Illinois Lottery takes very seriously," said Jones. "During the holiday season, indeed throughout the year, 'Play responsibly; must be 18 to Play' is a message we continue to highlight. Please remember that Lottery tickets should never be given to anyone under the age of 18."

Results from recent studies show a growing number of high school students reportedly receive one or more lottery tickets or scratch tickets as gifts. This, coupled with the growing concern about adolescent problem gambling, prompted the Illinois Lottery to join the National Council on Problem Gambling, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University, and dozens of other lotteries around the globe to collaborate this holiday season to increase public awareness about the impact and impropriety of giving lottery products as gifts to minors.

This marks the sixth year that these organizations have partnered with multiple lotteries to promote this message.

The Illinois Lottery is encouraging players to give responsibly during the holiday season and throughout the year. When giving a lottery product as a gift, please make sure you keep the recipient's age in mind.

About Illinois Lottery
Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $18 billion to the state's Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and to special causes like Illinois Veterans, the fight against breast cancer, MS research, and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to playing in-store, the Illinois Lottery offers online and mobile play for Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto at illinoislottery.com. Players must be at least 18 years old.

Contact: Chanele Newton 312-368-5814

SOURCE Illinois Lottery