New Illinois Lottery Game To Support HIV Treatment

A new Illinois Lottery game will benefit programs working to prevent the spread of HIV and help those living with HIV and AIDS. Since 2008, the lottery has contributed more than $4.7 million to such programs through various games. The new "Spread the Word" game is expected to raise another $1 million. All proceeds go toward prevention and treatment efforts.  The Illinois Department of Public Health will administer the grants. The $2 instant ticket gives players the chance to win $20,000. Lottery Superintendent Michael Jones said yesterday  that "lotteries exist to fund important causes." Among those causes in Illinois are veterans programs, MS research, breast cancer research and services to help people with HIV and AIDS. In 2011, there were 1,760 new cases of HIV or AIDS diagnosed in Illinois.