Missouri Lottery revenue down

(AP) Missouri Lottery revenue has been down in the first five months of the budget year as the best-known games have failed to produce huge jackpots that draw long lines at ticket counters.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that since July 1, overall sales are down more than 3%, or a little over $20 million.

Lottery Executive Director May Scheve says many people aren’t motivated to buy tickets until they see jaw-dropping jackpots. After two big jackpots last year, sales of Powerball and Mega Millions tickets are down about $50 million.

State lawmakers also cut money to advertise the lottery this year.