North American lotteries observe third annual National Lottery week

Lotteries across North America are observing the third annual National Lottery week, acknowledging lotteries' collective contributions to their communities.
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Lotteries across the US and Canada are observing the third annual National Lottery week, which is a celebration of lotteries throughout North America in acknowledgement of their collective contributions to their respective communities.

The third annual National Lottery week is celebrated from July 11 to July 17 and it highlights the different ways lotteries benefit their respective states, local businesses, economies, communities and their winners.

Some of the participating lotteries in 2021 include the DC Lottery, the Florida Lottery, the Louisiana Lottery, the Massachusetts Lottery (Mass Lottery) and the Wisconsin Lottery.

Commenting on the annual initiative, Florida Lottery Secretary, John F Davis, stated: “Florida is proud to join our lottery industry colleagues to celebrate this week focused on all things lottery and the partners, players, and retailers across Florida that help us give back to communities throughout our state.

“While our primary mission is focused on generating funds to enhance education in Florida, our lottery efforts reach far beyond the classroom. We serve as a proud partner to support local causes, we sponsor statewide organisations and college sporting events, we team up with responsible gaming groups to educate players and retailers about safe, responsible lottery play, and of course, we provide a fun and exciting source of entertainment for Floridians.”

National Lottery week grew from an idea created by the Mass Lottery in 2018. The lottery declared July 17, 2018, as the official National Lottery Day, offering its players and retailers a special day of lottery promotions, celebrating the provision of billions of dollars in local aid for the state produced since the lottery’s creation in 1972.

Michael Sweeney, Executive Director of the Mass Lottery, said: “We are proud to see how National Lottery Week has grown to become an annual celebration embraced by lotteries throughout the continent.

“From generating significant funding for valuable initiatives, to providing a source of revenue for business owners, and awarding billions of dollars in prizes to customers who choose to play lottery games as a form of entertainment, there are many reasons to recognise the positive impact that lotteries have in the communities they serve.”

Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin stated: “It’s been an incredibly challenging year, so it feels great to celebrate Lottery Week knowing we are continuing to fulfil our mission and provide Wisconsin homeowners with property tax relief. I’m so proud of our retailers and staff for everything they do to provide rewarding entertainment for our players.”