PA Lottery's Gus the Groundhog is Back by Popular Demand

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The people have spoken and the Pennsylvania Lottery listened: Gus, Pennsylvania's second most famous groundhog, is back.

"Gus went into semi-retirement in early 2012 after a nearly eight-year run as our instant game ad mascot," said Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. "In the years since, we have continued to hear from players who told us how much they missed Gus and wanted him to return. Simply stated, Gus is a Pennsylvania Lottery institution."

So, just where has Gus been?

"We'd like to imagine Gus used his well-deserved break to travel around the state and have some fun along the way," Svitko added. 

Last week, a series of travel-themed postcards from locations across Pennsylvania and mysteriously signed with the initial "G" began appearing on the Lottery's social media channels. The final postcard came from the State Capitol in Harrisburg, only a few miles from Lottery headquarters.

"When we opened the doors this morning, Gus loped in, dropped his suitcase, loudly proclaimed, 'Keep on Scratchin!' and headed right to his desk," Svitko joked.

Gus returns to the television airwaves this week as part of the Lottery's holiday season advertising campaign. Players will see more of Gus in the coming months.

Gus made his TV debut in early 2004, promoting a St. Patrick's Day-themed instant game. He went on to appear in more than 50 TV commercials and numerous print ads.

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 more than $25.8 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 players to check every ticket, every time. Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-848-1880.

For drawings results, winning numbers, winners' stories and to subscribe to the Lottery's RSS news feed, visit www.palottery.com. Like us on Facebook at or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery. 

MEDIA CONTACTS: Gary Miller, 717-702-8008

SOURCE Pennsylvania Lottery

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