Several thousand people helped the Illinois Lottery celebrate its 50th anniversary last week with a disco-themed party at Chicago River North’s Pioneer Court Plaza, where more than 500 attendees won cash totaling more than $10,000.
The ’70s-inspired party featured the United States’ largest disco ball that was designed to pay homage to the decade in which the Illinois Lottery launched. The event also featured a “draw ball machine” where lucky participants could win up to $500, an interactive photo booth and local DJ Julius Spates, who calls himself “The Mad Thinker,” playing disco tunes.
“The event was a huge success and full of nostalgia,” Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays told Lottery Insider. “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.”
The Illinois State Lottery was founded in 1974. Operated by Allwyn Illinois, it was the 10h state to launch a lottery and the first to air a drawing live on TV. Beyond the disco event, the Illinois Lottery is celebrating its anniversary with multiple promotions throughout the month, including a “Get in the Groove” sweepstakes and a “Celebration 2nd Chance” promotion.
Also in Illinois, plans are in place for a new casino to come to FanDuel’s Collinsville venue, as gaming operator Accel Entertainment intends to acquire the venue for around $35 million.
