To mark its Golden Jubilee, the Illinois Lottery celebrated with several thousand people and over $10,000 in prize giveaways
CHICAGO, Ill. – The Illinois Lottery celebrated its 50th anniversary in style on Thursday, July 18, in Chicago River North’s Pioneer Court Plaza with a fun-filled, disco-themed event.
Ushering in a day of ‘70s nostalgia, the celebration threw it way back to 1974 with a giant, 35-foot golden disco ball to pay homage to the year the lottery got its start.
Illinois Lottery erected a 35-foot disco ball in Chicago’s Pioneer Court to celebrate its golden anniversary on July 18, 2024.
On-site, there was plenty of fun to be had, including an interactive photo booth and the Illinois Lottery “draw ball machine” that gave participants a chance to draw a number and win cash prizes up to $500. Local DJ Julius Spates, also known as “The Mad Thinker,” performed live and provided groovy, disco era tunes throughout the festivities.
The giant disco ball, the largest ever in the U.S., drew crowds of several thousand, and over 500 people won cash and prizes totalling over $10,000, including 10 players who walked away with $500 in cash each.
Photos (top to bottom): Participants enjoying the DJ booth, draw ball machine, and Illinois Lottery scratch-off tickets.
“The event was a huge success and full of nostalgia. Making a difference has always been at the heart of the Illinois Lottery’s mission, and we’re honored we could bring people together to celebrate five decades of Illinoisans playing, winning, and contributing back to the state. The community really showed up to make it a day to remember,” said Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery Director.
“The event was a huge success and full of nostalgia. Making a difference has always been at the heart of the Illinois Lottery’s mission, and we’re honored we could bring people together to celebrate five decades of Illinoisans playing, winning, and contributing back to the state. The community really showed up to make it a day to remember,” said Mays.
The Illinois Lottery is keeping the fun going this summer with other exciting 50th anniversary promotions, sweepstakes, and events. Click here https://www.illinoislottery.com/50th-anniversary for all the ways you can get involved.
About the Illinois Lottery
The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed over $24 billion to the State’s Common School Fund in support of K-12 public education in Illinois since 1985. The Common School Fund is the Illinois Lottery’s primary benefactor, receiving nearly 99% of Illinois Lottery proceeds. The Illinois Lottery also supports various specialty causes as described in the Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/21.4). For more information about the Illinois Lottery and the causes we support, please visit www.IllinoisLottery.com