Illinois Lottery Encourages Responsible Gift-Giving

CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Lottery is reminding players that holiday instant games, while they can be great gifts and stocking stuffers, are only intended for adults. The Lottery is asking retailers to remind customers that Lottery tickets can only be legally purchased by adults--and should only be given as gifts to those age 18 and older.

"Discouraging underage and excessive play is year-round pursuit for the Illinois Lottery," said Michael Jones, director of the Illinois Lottery. "During the holiday season, 'Play responsibly; must be 18 to Play' is a message that we go to great lengths to promote. Please remember that Lottery tickets should never be given to anyone under the age of 18."

Growing concerns over adolescent problem gambling prompted the Illinois Lottery to join the National Council on Problem Gambling, and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.  Illinois is one of dozens of lotteries around the globe collaborating this holiday season to increase public awareness on the impact and impropriety of giving lottery products as gifts to minors.

This marks the seventh year these two organizations have partnered with multiple lotteries to promote this message. Once again, the Illinois Lottery is taking a lead role, encouraging players to give responsibly during the holiday season and throughout the year. When giving any lottery product as a gift, please 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: Mike Lang 217-524-5158

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SOURCE Illinois Lottery

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http://illinoislottery.com