NC lottery sales up from last year

GREENSBORO — North Carolina’s lottery has brought in 25 percent more money than it did the same time last year.

The News & Record of Greensboro reported Wednesday the state Education Lottery grossed $189 million in lottery sales in July and August, compared with $152 million in the same period last year.

Lottery executive director Thomas Shaheen said the higher payout that legislators approved for scratch-off, instant-winner games helped boost sales.

The newspaper said university researchers suggest that when economic times get tough, lotteries gain in popularity.

Shaheen disagreed and said sales are hurt by economic downturns the same way as other goods and services that compete for people’s discretionary spending.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)