Lottery Official Defends Games' Performance

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 posted 11:51 AM EST

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The chief executive of the state lottery commission said 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.

Also Tuesday, the commission approved a raffle-style game. Tickets will be $20 with four top prizes of $1 million.

Shaheen said the game, which begins this spring, will offer the best odds so far to become a millionaire.

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