The Illinois Lottery began operating on July 1, 1974 as part of the Illinois Department of Revenue with Ralph Batch as its Superintendent. One month later, the first Lottery tickets -- they cost 50 cents -- went on sale at some 7,000 retailer locations statewide. On August 8, 1974, Illinois Governor Dan Walker and Lottery officials drew the first winning ticket during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. The drawing was not broadcast because at that time, federal law prohibited radio and television stations from reporting on even the most basic news generated by lotteries.
Illinois Lottery games include Lotto, Little Lotto, the Big Game, Pick 3, Pick 4 and dozens of exciting instant games. All Illinois Lottery profits are deposited into the state's Common School Fund to help fund K-12 public education in Illinois.

Download the Accounting Sales & Transfers Unaudited Figures for 2009 From the Illinois Lottery. CLICK HERE

State Casino Revenue Continues to Fall, But Lottery Sales Up for 7th Straight Year
CHICAGO, Illinois (June 18, 2010) – News sources report that the Illinois Lottery expects $2.2 billion in gross sales in the fiscal year ending June 30, an increase of about 5 percent over the previous year and the seventh consecutive year of rising sales...........Subscribers

State Lottery Tops $2B in Sales For 4th Year
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (June 11, 2010) -The Illinois Lottery has topped $2 billion in sales for the fourth year in a row.............Subscribers

Private Management Companies Line Up to Bid on Illinois Lottery's Outsourcing
CHICAGO, Illinois (June 7, 2010) -  As previously reported by Lottery Insider the Illinois Lottery is looking to outsource the management of the lottery to a private firm, as well as considering selling lottery tickets on the Internet........................Subscribers

Casino Spending Down 9% in Illinois Last Year
CHICAGO, Illinois (May 15, 2010) – Reports that according to a new gambling industry study casino spending in Illinois dropped nearly nine (9%) percent from 2008 to 2009....................Subscribers

Lawmaker Sponsors Legislation to Expand Veterans’ Lottery Tickets
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (May 15, 2010) -- Scratch-off Illinois lottery ticket sales devoted to raising money for veterans assistance will be expanded under legislation sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Dugan...............Subscribers

Turn Up the Pink
New Ticket for the Cure Lottery Game Supports the Fight Against Breast Cancer
CHICAGO, Illinois (May 7, 2010) - In recognition of mothers, sisters, friends and daughters across the state, the Illinois Lottery is launching TurnUpThePink.com Turn Up the Pink, a microsite that features stories from local survivors and allows players to learn more about how they can fight this disease that effects 1 of 8 women across the nation.............Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Continues Next Step in Private Manager Selection Process
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (May 13, 2010) -- The Illinois Lottery today asked private firms for expressions of interest in managing its operations for a period of up to 10 years. The Illinois General Assembly mandated private management of the Lottery in late 2009. Initial expressions of interest are due May 24 and the private manager is expected to be named before the end of the year.................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Commission's Your Dream Wedding Promotion
NAPERVILLE, Illinois  (April 26, 20100 - Mauricio is one of three finalists in the Illinois Lottery commission's Your Dream Wedding promotion, which will stage-manage a $25,000 wedding and reception for the winner June 5. The second- and third-place finishers will receive $2,000 and $1,000, respectively........................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Statement on Private Manager Contract
CHICAGO, Illinois (April 7, 2010.  The Illinois Lottery’s intent to hire a private manager has created public confusion.  We would like to make it absolutely clear that:  The State of Illinois is not privatizing, selling or leasing its Lottery. ..................Subscribers

Government Privatization Grows in Economic Downturn; State Gambles on Private Management to Increase Lottery Sales
Illinois Lottery May Hire Management Firm
TINLEY, Illinois (April 1, 2010) - The Illinois Lottery may be looking to hire an outside management firm to take over at least some of its operations, a move aimed at boosting state revenue to help fund education and new construction projects throughout the state....................Subscribers

Illinois Taps Consultant To Help Take Lottery Private
CHICAGO, Illinois (March 29, 2010) — The state of Illinois has awarded a $3.95million contract to management consulting firm Oliver Wyman Group to act as an adviser in helping the state select a private manager for its lottery.......................Subscribers

Former Illinois Lottery Director Steps Down as White House Social Secretary
BLOOMBERG (February 27, 2010) -- White House social secretary Desiree Rogers is stepping down, three months after she came under criticism for her handling of a state dinner that was crashed by a Virginia couple. ...........................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Wants You to Join Them in RAISING A HAND
Black History Month Program Encourages Volunteerism in Illinois Public Schools
CHICAGO, Illinois (January 28, 2010) -- The Illinois Lottery is continuing its mission of empowering schools with the launch of RAISE A HAND ILLINOIS, a statewide volunteer effort to facilitate beautification efforts in local public schools. In honor of the heroes who fought for equality and education...................Subscribers

Lottery Machine Allowed In Train Station Shop
CHICAGO, Illinois (January 8, 2010) – Aldermen Monday night narrowly voted to allow a local woman to expand her small business inside the downtown Des Plaines train station by permitting the installation of an Illinois Lottery machine...................Subscribers

Gubernatorial Candidate Would Consider Selling, Leasing State Lottery
ELMHURST, Illinois (January 4, 2010) - Republican candidate for governor Jim Ryan was reported as having said he will consider selling or leasing the Illinois Tollway to fix the state's budget mess and, its also worth considering a deal to sell or lease the Illinois Lottery.............................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Launches Chicago Blackhawks® Cash Scratch-off Ticket
Air hockey tournaments scheduled across the state to highlight new ticket and give players additional chances to win cash and prizes
CHICAGO, Illinois (January 13, 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery recently launched the Chicago Blackhawks® Cash scratch-off ticket, and is kicking off 16 air-hockey tournaments across the state through February. The winner at each event will win $500 in cash and a Blackhawks jersey.................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery - “Chicago Blackhawks® Cash” Second Chance Promotion
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (December 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery’s “Chicago Blackhawks® Cash” second chance promotion (hereinafter referred to as the "Promotion") will begin 12/28/2009, and will award two trips to a Chicago Blackhawks® away game in the 2010-2011 regular season...................Subscribers

New Illinois Lottery Game Marks World AIDS Day
CHICAGO, Illinois) (December 1, 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery unveiled a new game to mark World AIDS Day.....................Subscribers

GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Differ on Some Gambling Issues, including Leasing the State Lottery to a Private Company
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (November 28, 2009) -- Republican Gubernatorial Candidates are reported to have varying views on gambling issues, including on the recent, controversial decision to allow bars in Illinois to eventually install gambling machines such as video poker..................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Privatization Process Begins With RFP For Financial Advisor
Key Insights on Joe, Jack and Lottery Products Available From ILR
CHICAGO, Illinois (November 17,  2009) –  In an attempt to maximize sales and profits near and long term, the State of Illinois is seeking a new template for current lottery practices and plans for future growth. This process begins with an RFP for a financial advisor...................Subscribers

Joyful Lottery Ad A Winner
Campaign Promoting Tickets As Holiday Gifts Spreads Tuneful Good Cheer
CHICAGO, Illinois (November 9, 2009) -- We are happy to announce the arrival this week of a new ad campaign for the Illinois Lottery from Energy BBDO/Chicago.....................Subscribers

Quinn Administration Launches New Veterans’ Cash Stars & Stripes Lottery Ticket
Proceeds Benefit Illinois’ Veterans; More Than $7 Million Raised Since 2006
CHICAGO, Illinois (October 28, 2009) – Governor Pat Quinn today kicked off the statewide launch of the newest Veterans’ Cash scratch-off lottery ticket, the Stars & Stripes ticket. The ticket’s net proceeds benefit rehabilitative programs and services for Illinois Veterans. Since Governor Quinn first championed and launched the program in 2006, Veterans’ Cash has awarded more than $7 million to Veterans organizations statewide......................Subscribers

New $30 Instant Ticket Makes Three Illinois Residents Millionaires
Three $3,000,000 prizes remain
CHICAGO,  Illinois (October 2, 2009) - The Illinois Lottery launched a new $30 instant ticket and in one week three winners came forward to claim their prize of $1,000,000 each. The $3,000,000 Cash Spectacular ticket is the first $30 ticket to be sold by the Illinois lottery and boasts the best odds of all instant tickets: 1 in 2.46................Subscribers

Comptroller Suspends Payment on Some State Lottery Contracts
CHICAGO, Illinois (September 16, 2009) -- Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes wants Governor Pat Quinn to scale back or cancel a bundle of state contracts, so much so that Hynes is suspending the payments.................Subscribers

New Lottery Ads to Generate More Interest Mega Millions Game
CHICAGO, Illinois (August 24, 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery will launch a new ad campaign from Energy BBDO/Chicago on August 31 that aims to generate more interest in the Mega Millions game....................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Sales Continue To Climb During Recession
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (July 23, 2009) - Illinois Lottery sales continue to be steady during the flagging economy.Ticket sales were up a little more than 1 percent over the year before, for the fiscal year ending in June. That meant Illinoisans bought almost $2.1 billion worth of lottery tickets, setting a sales record.....................Subscribers

New Lottery Operator Could Ditch Current Advertising Agency
CHICAGO, Illinois (July 20, 2009) - Last week, Governor Quinn signed a new law that will by March 1, 2010, hand over the state lottery to a private operator..................Subscribers

Circuit Judge Hands-Off MegaMillions Suit For Administrative Hearing
ILLINOIS, USA (July 14, 2009) -- St. Clair County Circuit Judge Lloyd Cueto has sent a suit over a MegaMillions lottery ticket to the Illinois Lottery Control Board for an administrative hearing.....................Subscribers

Sharon Sharp, 1939-2009: Former Illinois, California Lottery Director Dies
She was the GOP candidate for Illinois secretary of state in 1978
Article By: By Trevor Jensen, Tribune reporter
CHICAGO, Illinois (July 7, 2009) -- Sharon Sharp, whose accidental entry into politics started with a $10 loan from Donald Rumsfeld, ran for Illinois secretary of state in the late 1970s and was the state's lottery director under Gov. Jim Thompson....................Subscribers

Illinois Senator Pushes for Online Lottery Tickets
CHICAGO, Illinois, USA (Jun 7, 2009) -- When Illinois lottery jackpots swell into the hundreds of millions, so do the lines for tickets...................Subscribers

Bring Back Your Tickets. Bring Back Your Dreams!
Illinois Lottery Giving Away $35k Every Weekday This Summer To Celebrate The 35th Anniversary
CHICAGO, Illinois (May 27, 2009) -- Illinois Lottery is keeping dreams alive and kickin' this summer for players who submit $35 worth of current non-winning tickets. To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the Lottery is awarding players $35,000 every day!....................Subscribers

State Says Lottery Agents Kept Money
LA SALLE COUNTY, Illinois (May 22, 2009) – According to local media reports the Illinois Department of Revenue recently said several state lottery agents in La Salle County did not reimburse the state for almost $40,000 in tickets they sold........................Subscribers

Lawmakers Speed Up Pace of Restructuring State Government Departments
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (May 21, 2009) -- House lawmakers today approved a plan that will see the Gaming Board, Lottery Control Board, the Racing Board and the Liquor Control Board all become independent boards again.................Subscribers

Man Files Suit Against Illinois Lottery
ILLINOIS, USA (April 20, 2009) – According to local media reports a man says the Illinois Lottery Control Board refused to pay him for a winning lottery ticket..................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Releases New MS Ticket, Dash! For Cash
CHICAGO, Illinois, USA (April 6, 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery is encouraging the public to continue their support for MS education and awareness by purchasing the newest $2 instant ticket called "Dash! For Cash.".................Subscribers

State Senate Committee Passes Bill Allowing Online Lotto Sales
ILLINOIS, USA (March 13, 2009) -- Illinois could soon become the first state to sell lottery tickets over the internet....................Subscribers

Republicans Back Expanded Gambling in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (March 12, 2009) -- In a joint news conference Wednesday, House Minority Leader Tom Cross and his senate counterpart Christine Radogno called for a major expansion of gaming to fund improvements to highways and government buildings..............Subscribers

EDITORIAL: Online Lottery Ticket Sales No Jackpot, But Worth A Try
BLOOMINGTON, Illinois (February 23, 2009) -- Senate President John Cullerton thinks allowing individual Illinois lottery tickets to be purchased online would raise significant revenue for the state -- perhaps as much as $300 million..................Subscribers

Lawmaker Proposes Trialing Self Serve Lottery Machines at Rest Areas
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, USA (February 19, 2009) – State Representative Mike Boland (East Moline) issued a statement today saying that he has introduced new legislation that would generate funds by creating a one-year pilot program to install lottery ticket machines at all state of Illinois rest areas.................Subscribers

Senate President Proposes Internet, Management Changes at State Lottery
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois. (February 16, 2009) - State Senate President John Cullerton thinks Illinois could squeeze more money out of its lottery by selling tickets online and hiring a private management company......................Subscribers

Illinois Lottery Bets on New Technology to Grow Games
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (January 23, 2009) -- Officials at the Illinois Lottery are looking for better technology in an effort to sell more tickets..............Subscribers

The Illinois Lottery Announces New Ad Agency
CHICAGO, Illinois, USA (January 22, 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery announced today that it has awarded Energy BBDO its $105 million general market advertising contract.................Subscribers

Blackhawks Fan Wins Million in Illinois Lottery Promotion
CHICAGO, Illinois (January 21, 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery officially started a new promotion with the Chicago Blackhawks last Wednesday: One adult fan would be randomly chosen at each home game, and if the Blackhawks scored at exactly the 10-minute mark of the second period -- not a second over or under -- then that fan would win $1 million. Just five days later, someone sitting in Section 326 had already hit the jackpot.................Subscribers.

Got Rock, Paper, Scissors Skills? Illinois Lottery Launches Tournaments to give Enthusiasts a Chance to win $500 in Cash
CHICAGO, Illinois (January 15, 2009) -- The Illinois Lottery announced today the launch of the new Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) instant ticket.................Subscribers.