BOSTON (AP) – The Massachusetts Lottery has enjoyed its most successful holiday sales period ever.
That’s according to new state Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who told lawmakers the lottery took in $972 million during the ten weeks from early November through early January. She said that was a 5.6 percent increase over the previous year.
But while overall sales are on the rise, Goldberg also noted that customers are gradually moving toward higher-priced games that also offer higher payouts. The shift has offset some of the gains from increased sales, but she said the lottery remains on target to meet its projected $947 million profit for the current fiscal year.
Goldberg, who took office last Wednesday, said the lottery faces more challenges ahead, including competition for gambling dollars from a slots parlor slated to open later this year in Plainville.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
