ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF THE LOTTERY NAMES ITS SPRINGFIELD BUILDING THE E.J. “ZEKE” GIORGI LOTTERY BUILDING
Springfield, IL – The Illinois Lottery began selling tickets in July 1974 as a result of legislation sponsored by the legendary State Representative Edolo J. “Zeke” Giorgi – earning him the title of “Father of the Lottery.” State Representative Dave Vella (D-68) and Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays held a dedication ceremony of The E.J. “Zeke” Giorgi Lottery Building in Springfield on September 18. In recognition of Giorgi’s achievement in establishing the Illinois State Lottery, the Illinois Department of the Lottery has named its building in Springfield as the E.J. "Zeke" Giorgi Lottery Building. A building dedication ceremony was held this week, September 18, with remembrance from State Representative Dave Vella, the grandson of Giorgi. The event also showcased the newly remodeled Springfield Prize Center, which is also housed in the building. The Springfield Prize Center, along with four others, were recently given a fresh makeover to create a fun, winning experience for Illinois Lottery players that visit the prize centers to claim their prizes. For a listing of Illinois Lottery prize centers and more information on how to claim prizes, visit: Illinois Lottery.com/winning.
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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 beneficiary, 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 IllinoisLottery.com