ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico Lottery generated profits of $43.6 million for college scholarships in the latest fiscal year.
The lottery's profits increased by 6.8 percent in the 2010 budget year, which ended in June.
Net ticket sales rose for the first time in three years. Sales were $143.6 million, up by not quite 1 percent.
Lottery officials said record profits were produced for the scholarship program by holding down expenses. Lottery employee salaries were frozen and vacant positions were not filled.
State law requires at least 30 percent of lottery revenues go to the scholarship program.
Lottery scholarships cover tuition for New Mexico students attending state public colleges and universities.
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