Lottery Games Doing Well Despite Low Sales, Commissioner Says

RALEIGH, N.C. — The chief executive of the state lottery commission says the lottery's operations are running very well despite lower than expected sales.

The new lottery's games were projected to generate more than $400 million for education in their first fiscal year, ending June 30.

But Tom Shaheen, the lottery's executive director, has said education profits may only reach $350 million. Shaheen told the North Carolina Education Lottery Commission that his staff is working to improve sales and get more retailers to sell tickets.

In hope of luring more business, commissioners on Tuesday approved a raffle-style game that has been successful in other surrounding states. Tickets will be $20 dollars with four top prizes of $1 million.

Shaheen says the game, which begins this spring, will offer the best odds so far to become a millionaire. Tickets go on sale in May. The first drawing is expected in July.