COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state lottery has
transferred more than $78 million to education programs in the
fiscal year that began July 1.
The South Carolina Education Lottery says it deposited $20
million on Tuesday. Of that, more than $4.5 million was unclaimed
prize money, which is earmarked for school buses and gambling
addiction programs.
The lottery again is on target to exceed forecasts. Through
October, the games have produced 45 percent of the $173 million
expected to be collected this fiscal year.
"We are prepared to meet the financial expectations set by the
state for fiscal year '04," said Ernie Passailaigue, executive
director of the state lottery.
Since January 2002, the lottery has put $379 million into
scholarships and other education programs specified by state
law.