August 1974 — Illinois lottery in, Nixon out

Editor. I enjoyed the story on the Illinois lottery that appeared in the March issue of Illinois Issues, but I think your math is a bit off on the number of years the lottery has been in existence.

The first drawing was held on August 8, 1974, at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield. As former executive secretary of the Lottery Control Board, I remember the date well for it was also the date that President Nixon resigned.

Adele Halkin, CFRE
Chicago

Readers: She is correct. The Lottery was officially created July 1, 1974, and the first tickets went on sale July 30 that year. Editor

Readers: Your comments on articles and columns are welcome. Please keep letter brief (250 words); we reserve the right to excerpt them so as many as space allows can be published. Send your letter to:

Caroline Gherardini
Editor
Illinois Issues Sangamon State University
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9243

May 1989 | Illinois Issues | 11