Survey Reveals a Surprising Valentine’s Day Gift Illinoisans Actually Want

CHICAGO (February 10, 2025) – This Valentine’s Day, Illinoisans may want to rethink their go-to gifts. A recent survey commissioned by the Illinois Lottery reveals that scratch-off tickets are a highly desired Valentine's Day gift among Illinois residents.

The survey, which examined gifting habits and preferences among 18- to 65-year-olds in Illinois, found that the vast majority see lottery scratch-off tickets as a fun and exciting Valentine’s Day gift (82% for men and 86% for women). Additional key findings include:

• 99% of men and 92% of women who gave scratch-off tickets as presents for Valentine's Day reported that their partner appreciated the gift 

• 1 in 4 respondents ranked a scratch-off ticket in their top three most preferred Valentine’s Day gifts 

• Despite their popularity, only about a third of people have actually received a scratch-off ticket for Valentine’s Day (38% of men and 37% of women)

  
  

Roses wilt, chocolates melt, but the thrill of a potential win lasts far beyond February 14. And for those scrambling for a fun and unique alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, an Illinois Lottery Instant Ticket might be the perfect solution. 

With men nearly twice as likely as women to shop last-minute on Valentine’s Day (15% vs. 8%), a scratch-off ticket offers a clever, convenient way to make the day extra special—whether tucked into a heartfelt card, arranged in a unique “ticket bouquet,” or presented over a romantic dinner. 

The Illinois Lottery currently offers a range of Instant Ticket games priced from $1 to $50, available at approximately 7,000 retail locations across Illinois.

This Valentine’s Day, think outside the (chocolate) box and surprise your significant other with Illinois Lottery Instant Tickets. After all, a winning ticket could make your Valentine’s celebration even sweeter.

* The Illinois Lottery commissioned a quantitative survey from Jan. 24, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2025, to uncover Valentine’s Day gifting behaviors. Survey participants included 500 Illinois residents (250 men and 250 women) ages 18-65+ who were in a relationship at the time and planned to participate on Valentine’s Day.

About the Illinois Lottery

The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed over $25 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.