The Illinois Lottery’s enduring legacy at 50

There were many significant milestone moments in the year 1974. To name a few, the Rubik’s Cube was invented, TV sitcom Happy Days first aired, Skittles candy went on sale and the Sears Tower, which is now called the Willis Tower, was completed, making it the world’s tallest building at that time. It’s also memorable for another iconic beginning: it’s the year the Illinois Lottery was born.

As a result of legislation sponsored by the legendary state Rep. E.J. “Zeke” Giorgi, the Illinois Lottery began selling tickets on July 30, 1974, and three months later, Irene Halley became its first millionaire. Then, on Dec. 22, the Illinois Lottery became the first state in the nation to air a drawing live on television, and on that same day, a second millionaire was created, Umberto Tust. In 1974, $1 million was a big deal, being worth almost $6.4 million today.

Just 10 short years later in 1984, Mike Wittkowski, a 28-year-old Chicago resident from the Northside, won a $40 million Lotto jackpot, the single-largest U.S. lottery prize ever won at the time. Big jackpots get the attention; they did then and do now. Just ask the two lucky Illinoisans who won a $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot in 2022, the largest Illinois prize ever, or the lucky Illinois player who won a $552 million Mega Millions jackpot just last month playing online — the largest online prize in U.S. history.

Fifty years after our historic start, offering players the fun and excitement of a chance to win prizes big and small while generating proceeds that make a difference is still the reason the lottery exists. Making a difference has always been at the heart of the Illinois Lottery's mission, which is to responsibly generate revenue that supplements education funding and supports good causes throughout the state.

Since 1985, the Illinois Lottery has contributed nearly $25 billion in revenue to help fund K-12 public school education in Illinois. Since 2006, close to $95 million has been contributed to specialty causes such as breast cancer, veteran services, and the Special Olympics. Our contributions are needed and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.

We fondly remember our 30-plus-year partnership with WGN, with thousands of live drawings broadcast nationwide and three lottery game shows, “$100,000 Fortune Hunt,” “Illinois Instant Riches” and “Illinois Luckiest” produced during the ’90s. Two generations of people across the country got to experience the Illinois Lottery in their homes every night.

We proudly reflect on our achievements over the years, like being the first lottery to start a specialty scratch ticket program committing 100% of its proceeds to specific causes in 2006 or being the first lottery to sell lottery tickets over the internet in 2012. Our very first scratch ticket went on sale in 1975 for $1 and still costs $1 today. You can still wager 50 cents on a Pick game as you could in 1980.

With over two-thirds of the adult population in Illinois playing the lottery, our players play an important role in what we do with every single ticket purchased helping to support our mission. The Lottery’s success is also supported by nearly 7,000 retail partners; the specialty causes we partner with; and the team of dedicated lottery professionals, vendors, and government officials who support our cause.

The Lottery has been a part of the Land of Lincoln and its culture for 50 years, spanning six decades, and heading into its fourth generation of Illinoisans. You may not play the lottery, but chances are you have been positively impacted, directly or indirectly, through the money we raise for education and the special causes we support, making us all winners. During the next 50 years, we will endeavor to continue fulfilling our mission, operating responsibly with integrity and transparency, and providing lottery games that give players a chance to win.

To commemorate a half century of making a difference and having fun while doing it, we have some exciting events and promotions planned across the state this summer. Please visit our dedicated page at https://www.illinoislottery.com/50th-anniversary to learn more about our anniversary festivities.

• Harold Mays is the Director of the Illinois Department of the Lottery.