Lottery News

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — The CT Lottery is celebrating the 12th year of its “Give a Child a Toy, Not a Ticket” Holiday Toy Drive and reminding players that toys should be given to kids for the holidays, not lottery tickets. 

This year’s toy drive runs from November 1 through December 19, 2025, with collection sites located throughout the state at participating Cumberland Farms and U-Haul stores, along with CT Lottery headquarters in Wallingford and Fanatics Sportsbook locations statewide. 

All toys collected will be donated to Yale New Haven’s Toy Closet, which provides age-appropriate toys to kids who visit their pediatric facilities year-round. 

“Each year, this toy drive reminds us what the holiday season is truly about—giving back and bringing joy to children and families in our communities. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to reinforce an important message that lottery tickets are meant for adults, not children,” said Frank Suarez, CT Lottery President & CEO. 

Over the last 11 years, CLC has donated more than 30,000 toys to local programs such as the Toy Closet during the holidays. 

“The Toy Closet Program of the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary appreciates the thoughtfulness and energy in providing toys for our Pediatric Patients in the Health Care System,” said Diane Petra, Chair of the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary Toy Closet Program. “The toys donated by the CT Lottery’s ‘Give a Child a Toy, Not a ticket’ Holiday Toy Drive will provide many smiles for our Pediatric Patients and Families throughout the year.” 

Since 2008, the CT Lottery has partnered with the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) during the holidays to promote the message that lottery tickets are not suitable gifts for children. 

For More Information: http://holiday.ctlottery.org 

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About the Connecticut Lottery Corporation:

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is a quasi-public state agency committed to generating revenue for Connecticut in accordance with the highest standards of public policy and social responsibility.
 
In fiscal year 2024, players won more than $1 billion in prizes. At the same time, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation returned approximately $387 million to our state’s General Fund — providing critical dollars for essential services like education, public health, public safety, and libraries that strengthen communities across Connecticut. 
 
Since 1972, the Lottery has contributed nearly $12 billion to support our state’s programs and awarded more than $23 billion to lucky winners. That’s a track record of meaningful impact — both for the people who play and the people who benefit from the revenue it generates. 
 
Players must be 18 or older to purchase lottery tickets, and at least 21 to place sports wagers. Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org.