Illinois Lottery Launches 'Cash 4 College' Scratch-Off Ticket

CHICAGO, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Illinois Lottery is proud to present "Cash 4 College," a new $2 scratch-off ticket that offers full-tuition and mandatory fee college payment contracts for five top prize winners.  The ticket is available for purchase at Illinois Lottery retailers across the state and includes additional cash prizes.

"The Illinois Lottery is excited to offer a new ticket for our players," said Tracy Owens, Illinois Lottery's Communications Manager.  "We love to make dreams come true, and this ticket will help fulfill the dream of continued education without the stress of determining how the tuition will be paid."

The tuition contracts are purchased from the College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program, a state-sponsored plan that allows purchasers to lock in the cost of tuition at a pre-determined rate. Beneficiaries will have many school options to choose from since the benefits can be used at most public and private colleges and universities nationwide with the biggest benefit coming from use at Illinois public institutions.  Top prize winners of the "Cash 4 College" scratch-off ticket will have the Illinois Lottery purchase the payment contract on their behalf.

"This ticket is not only for parents," added Owens.  "This ticket is also great for grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, or anyone who wants to provide a gift to a loved one to relieve some of the pressures of getting through college."

Winners from the ticket also have the option to receive a $20,000 cash option if he or she does not know of a beneficiary for the tuition payment contract.  The maximum value of full-tuition contracts mature after three years.

About Illinois Lottery

Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery is a state agency with annual sales over $2 billion. Since its inception, the Lottery has contributed more than $14 billion to the state Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools. Players must be at least 18 years old. For more information on the Illinois Lottery please visit our Web site at www.illinoislottery.com.

SOURCE Illinois Lottery