Illinois Lottery Makes History: Launches First-Ever Lotto Ticket to Support UNCF, Unveiling during Black History Month


Illinois Lottery Makes History: Launches First-Ever Lotto Ticket to Support UNCF, Unveiling during Black History Month

In a historic move poised to make a significant economic impact, the Illinois Lottery collaborates with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)


In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at empowering students and advancing educational opportunities, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Illinois Lottery unveil an extraordinary initiative: the "$200,000! Bingo Tripler" Instant Ticket. This event promises to be a vibrant showcase of support for UNCF scholarships, featuring exciting announcements, the engagement of advocates and influencers, a VIP reception with live entertainment, and the grand reveal of a special lottery ticket initiative, all taking place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the illustrious Hyatt Regency, located at 151 E. Wacker Drive.

Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has been a beacon of hope for countless students, raising over $6 billion and awarding more than 500,000 scholarships. Annually, UNCF disburses over 12,000 scholarships valued at over $70 million and provides financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Through UNCF's unwavering dedication, HBCUs have significantly contributed to the academic success and professional development of Black students, doubling the number of minority students attending college over the past eight decades and shaping leaders across various sectors, including politics, media, and civil rights activism.

"We are excited about this groundbreaking partnership with the Illinois Lottery, marking the first lottery ticket in the country to support UNCF," said Lisa M. Rollins, Regional Director of Workplace - Midwest Region at the United Negro College Fund. "This initiative will provide vital support to our mission of empowering students and advancing educational opportunities. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of deserving students across Illinois."
State Senator Mattie Hunter championed Senate Bill 1508, which introduces a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game that combines specialty causes into one ticket, including the UNCF Illinois scratch-off to support students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Illinois and the Illinois DREAM scratch-off to provide financial assistance to non-citizens pursuing higher education in the state.

"The addition of UNCF and DREAM to this ticket will have a positive and lasting impact on the educational opportunities available to Black and Brown youth in our state," said Senator Mattie Hunter. "These are all great causes to support, and by using a joint game, we can do so easily and fairly."

The "$200,000! Bingo Tripler" Instant Ticket offers players the chance to win up to $200,000 for a $5 investment. It is available for purchase at over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers statewide. To learn more about the "$200,000! Bingo Tripler" Instant Ticket and how you can support UNCF scholarships, visit Illinois Lottery's UNCF Specialty Tickets page.

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