Attention gift-givers: If you’re planning to buy socks, a tie, or a “#1 Dad” mug this Father’s Day, you might want to reconsider. According to a new statewide survey* commissioned by the Illinois Lottery, a whopping 84 percent of Illinois dads feel that Father’s Day gets way less love than Mother’s Day—and they might be right. In fact, only 41 percent report that they received a gift from family on their special day. Fortunately, these dads are not shy about what they’d like to receive next time. The good news: Most dads (60%) say spending just $25 to $50 is the perfect amount for Father’s Day gifts—meaning the bar isn’t set high, maybe it’s just set wrong. So, what do dads actually want? Here’s a tip that might surprise you: 83 percent say they’d love to receive a lottery ticket—yet only 23 percent ever have. With Instant Ticket games ranging from $1 to $50 and available at nearly 7,000 retailers across the state, the Illinois Lottery provides a quick and convenient way to add a little fun and a welcome surprise. This Father’s Day, skip the argyle socks and give dad a moment of excitement, a chance to win big, and maybe—just maybe—a day with complete control of the remote.

*The Illinois Lottery commissioned a quantitative survey in May 2025 with 500 Illinois fathers, ages 18 to 65+, to better understand attitudes, expectations, and wish lists ahead of Father’s Day.

Photo Credit: Illinois Lottery