Maine Lottery Coming Off Record Year

The improved economy and lower gas prices have likely contributed to a record sales of Maine lottery tickets in the past year. People spent $251.9 million on Maine lottery tickets in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, easily beating the previous record of $230 million set in 2007. That means lottery sales, which fell slightly during the Great Recession, have returned to pre-recession levels. Like any other business that depends on disposable income, the Maine lottery is affected by the economy, said Gregg Mineo, director of the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations.