The Illinois Lottery

Illinois Lottery History

The Illinois Lottery officially began on July 1, 1974, making it one of the earliest lotteries in the U.S. Its first tickets, sold at about 7,000 locations, cost just 50 cents each. The inaugural drawing took place at the Illinois State Fair on August 8, 1974, though it was not televised due to federal regulations at the time.

Over the years, the Illinois Lottery has introduced numerous new games. Notable additions include Pick 3 and Pick 4 in the late 1970s and Lotto in 1983. Profits from ticket sales were directed toward public education starting in 1985, which solidified the Lottery's role in benefiting state programs. Technological advancements came in 2012, when Illinois became the first state to allow online lottery ticket purchases. In 2015, the Illinois Lottery transitioned to electronic number generation for draw games, eliminating televised drawings. In 2018, a private company took over management, making Illinois the first state to privatize its lottery system.

Most Popular Illinois Lottery Games

Illinois Lottery Games With The Best Odds

• Scratch-Off Games: Illinois scratch-off tickets typically offer better odds in comparison to draw games. Some of the scratch-off games with the best overall odds for prizes at any size include:
  • $3,000,000 Cash Fortune: 1 in 2.72 (odd of winning top prize are 1 in 1,196,320)
  • Titanium Black 7s: 1 in 2.85 (odd of winning top prize are 1 in 1,318,220)
  • 200X Payout: 1 in 2.78 (odd of winning top prize are 1 in 1,117,000)
  • Cash Celebration: 1 in 2.72 (odd of winning top prize are 1 in 252,000)
  • Million $$ Match: 1 in 2.85 (odd of winning top prize are 1 in 1,200,000)
  • Diamond Crossword 10X: 1 in 2.78 (odd of winning top prize are 1 in 958,440)

These tickets, generally priced between $30 and $50, provide relatively higher chances of winning a prize.

• Draw Games: While multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions have long odds for their massive jackpots, Illinois-only games offer better odds of winning a prize.
  • Lucky Day Lotto provides a solid chance of winning smaller prizes.
  • Pick 3 and Pick 4 offer multiple ways to win, drawn twice daily, providing flexible betting options with higher chances of success.

  Playing these games increases the likelihood of winning smaller prizes, though jackpots are generally more modest.

You can check the odds of winning Illinois games in the table below:

Learn About Lottery Games

Before diving headlong into purchasing lottery tickets, it is important to understand how lotteries work and what your odds of winning are.

Understanding lottery odds, jackpots, and rules helps you make informed decisions before making your picks. Thankfully, a wealth of information is available on Jackpot.com, covering various lottery games in Illinois and other states. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of lottery systems and how they function can go a long way in helping you develop an effective playing strategy.

How does the Powerball work How does Mega Millions work

Resources For Responsible Gambling

It's important to play responsibly and within your means. If you or someone you know needs support or guidance, there are various responsible gambling resources available to help you stay in control and enjoy the game safely.

The Illinois lottery and Jackpot.com provide access to numerous resources and support services to promote responsible play. Whether you need tips for managing your play or assistance for someone struggling with gambling, these resources are designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.