Illinois Lottery Promotes '18 Plus Always' Message during National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

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Mar 03, 2014, 04:57 ET

CHICAGO, March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (March), the Illinois Lottery is reminding Illinoisans that all lottery players must be at least 18 years old to participate in any manner with any type of lottery game.

To help eliminate underage play, the Illinois Lottery has restrictions in place at all lottery retailers, on its website and as a key part of its internet sales channel. Lottery retailers are required, if there is any question as to age, to seek verification from lottery ticket buyers to assure that underage play is not allowed. With the help of system protocols that prohibit underage player registration, the Illinois Lottery is safeguarding against minors playing the lottery via its Internet sales portal.

"Preventing underage play is a serious commitment of the Illinois Lottery," said Lottery Director Michael Jones. "'Play Responsibly; Must be 18 to Play' is a message we emphasize year-round and encourage our retailers to strictly enforce. Please remember that Lottery tickets should never be given to anyone under the age of 18."

The Illinois Lottery generates revenue that supports statewide public education and capital improvements. Additionally, the Lottery proudly offers four unique instant games whose proceeds support Illinois Veterans, the fight against breast cancer, Multiple Sclerosis research, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Lottery also supports the problem-gambling treatment community. Throughout the year, the Lottery and its private manager, Northstar Lottery Group, collaborate with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, and various treatment providers across Illinois that render problem-gambling services to individuals and their families.

This year marks the third year that the Illinois Lottery is participating in activities during National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. For more than 15 years, the Illinois Lottery has helped fund operations of a telephone hotline that provides help 24-hours-a-day from professional, problem-gambling counselors. The hotline number is 800-252-1775.

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.

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Contact: Chanele Newton 312-368-5814

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SOURCE Illinois Lottery