Lottery sales set record

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005 | 9:28 a.m.

PHOENIX -- A boost in sales this year from Arizona Lottery means millions more for several programs in the state, including ones to build parks, support education and fund social-service programs.

"When we have a big jackpot winner, it gets a lot of press," said Lottery Executive Director Katie Pushor. "The little-known fact is lottery money is benefiting someone, somewhere every day, and not just our winner."

Sales from Scratchers, Powerball tickets and other games reached an all-time high of $397.5 million for the 2005 fiscal year, which ended in June.

Proceeds are distributed to eight different funds, including the state's General Fund, a local transportation fund and the Healthy Arizona Fund.

About $116.4 million is earmarked for various programs and state funds.

The General Fund received the largest share: $38 million. The Legislature allocates money in this fund for a number of projects in a variety of areas, such as education, health and welfare, and general government.

Fiscal 2005 was the fifth year in a row that lottery sales have been on the rise. Sales reached $322.3 million in 2003 and $366.6 million in 2004.

About $21 million more is available this year for state organizations over what was available in 2003.

Pushor gave two main reasons for the Lottery's gains: popularity of scratch-off games and high jackpots for The Pick, a twice-weekly jackpot game.