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Gas prices, smaller jackpots result in fewer lottery dollars

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004 | 9:03 a.m.

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Rising prices at the gas pump and smaller jackpots have caused lottery sales to lag and could result in fewer dollars for educational programs, state officials said.

The state Board of Economic Advisors project the lottery will deliver about $255 million. That's $32 million less than the last fiscal year -- a banner year for the lottery when large jackpots fueled record sales and resulted in a surplus.

Officials say sales from July through October are running about $4 million behind the same period last year.

Lottery officials' estimates are more optimistic.

Ernie Passailaigue, executive director of the South Carolina Education Lottery, said his agency has projected proceeds of $277 million.

Lawmakers this year appropriated $340 million for education using lottery funds, including the $255 million projected amount and surplus from the year before.

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