Details about this story

• Source: Raleigh News & Observer
• Date: January 28, 2007
• URL: Read the story
• Bylines: J. Andrew Curliss , Paulette Stiles
• Topics: Lottery
• Data Types: State Data
• Description/Excerpt: It is clear, after nine months of sales, that North Carolinians are not buying tickets at the rate people do in other states with lotteries, a review by The News & Observer shows. Although lottery officials mostly cite economic reasons for slow sales, an analysis of state and national lottery data by The N&O shows a more fundamental issue at play: By several key measures, when compared with adjoining lottery states or those with comparable sales or population, the North Carolina lottery has a weaker foundation. The N&O's review shows there are fewer outlets here, lower prize amounts and lagging interest in Western North Carolina.