Florida Lottery projections up

TALLAHASSEE — State economists project that the Department of Lottery will see its total sales increase by $262 million in the fiscal year that began July 1 compared with last year, the News Service of Florida reports.

More lottery revenues mean more money for the Education Enhancement Trust Fund, the News Service reports. The increase means lawmakers may have an additional $48 million to spend on education construction and other enhancements, if the economists' revised projections come to fruition.

Although economists' predict lottery proceeds will continue to rise over their previous estimates through 2015-16, they will do so at a moderate pace, the News Service reports. Sales of scratch-off games were up 5.3% from previous projections, while Lotto sales are projected to remain flat. PowerBall sales growth will remain strong at 12%, but this is nearly have the rate as previously projected.