Powerball helps propel record year for Mass. Lottery

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Lottery set records for high sales and profits in the last fiscal year, partly due to interest in record Powerball jackpots.

State Treasurer Deb Goldberg said Monday the state sold an estimated $5.23 billion in lottery tickets during the 12-month period ending June 30, beating by more than $200 million the previous record a year ago.

Goldberg says the lottery turned a $987 million profit, $1 million above the record high also set a year ago. Lottery profits go to cities and towns in the form of unrestricted local aid.

Sales for the multi-state Powerball game increased more than $72 million, driven largely by U.S. and world record-setting jackpots in January.

Goldberg cautions the state can't rely on massive Powerball jackpots every year and should explore innovative offerings.

Cox Media Group