March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Illinois Lottery is joining in the activities to mark the occasion.

It's teaming up with the National Council on Problem Gambling. They say their objective is to raise awareness about those who gamble too much.

The Illinois Lottery is known for catchy commercials intended to get people to play the lottery.

But in a Thursday news release, it also says it's creating a series of public service messages aimed at eliminating excessive lottery play.

Lottery Superintendent Michael Jones says in the release that he encourages any adults to play the games because it is fun. But he says he wants everyone to play responsibly.