NH Lottery surpasses $5 billion in ticket sales

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- The New Hampshire Lottery says it's reached $5 billion in ticket sales since the lottery started in 1964.

Lottery officials say overall ticket sales for fiscal year 2013 to date are up 16 percent, compared to 11 percent in fiscal year 2012.

Debra Douglas, chairwoman of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, said instant ticket sales overall account for about 70 percent of total lottery sales.

Net proceeds to education exceed $1.5 billion to date.