June Lottery Buzz

Prosperity Partners

Lottery sales in South Carolina have topped $1 billion in fiscal year 2006 for the first time ever! The previous record was $957 million set last fiscal year. Instant tickets make up 60 percent of sales, with Powerball being the next biggest seller. The lottery began in January 2002 and has given more than $1 billion to education.

A new Illinois lottery game, "Veterans Cash," has raised more than $1 million for veterans' services and programs since it debuted. The money will also help pay for grants and research on disability benefits, homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder.  Proceeds will partially support the state's new health care program for low-income, uninsured veterans.