Michigan lottery sales up despite economy LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Officials say the Michigan Lottery is thriving despite the economic recession. According to unofficial figures cited by the Detroit Free Press, the state lottery saw a 2 percent increase in ticket sales from Oct. 1, 2008, through Sept. 30, with $2.3 billion in total sales. Lottery spokeswoman Andrea Brancato says hefty jackpots played a role in the rise in ticket sales, including large jackpots for the multistate Mega Millions game. Lottery profits totaling $722 million went to the School Aid Fund in fiscal year 2009. Brancato says the lottery paid out $1.4 billion in prizes.
11/2/2009 5:32:49 AM