The Florida Lottery today announced that net Scratch-Off ticket sales for September 2011 set an all-time high for the month of September, shattering a record set in 2007 by 7.8 percent. Florida Lottery Scratch-Off ticket sales topped $186 million this past month, beating the previous record of just under $173 million.

$131 million in Scratch-Off prizes were awarded in the month of September 2011 and Scratch-Off sales alone generated approximately $35 million in contributions to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF).

"This is the Florida Lottery's best September for Scratch-Off ticket sales in our 23 year history," said Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O'Connell. "We couldn't be more pleased that our Florida Lottery players have overwhelmingly responded to an excellent offering of Scratch-Off tickets available at our 13,200 retail partners across the state. We remain focused on offering an entertaining product that ultimately benefits education programs throughout Florida."

The Florida Lottery offers more than 40 Scratch-Off games at any given time through instant ticket vending machines or on-counter displays at 13,200 retailers statewide. Scratch-Off games are an important part of the Lottery's portfolio of games, making up approximately 56 percent of ticket sales and generating more than $420 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in fiscal year 2010-11.

Recognized as one of the most efficient lotteries in the nation, the Florida Lottery has remained a strong partner in helping generate additional funds for public education even during the recent tough economic times. Lottery contributions have made an impact with more than $1 billion being transferred annually to the EETF for the past eight consecutive fiscal years, representing approximately six percent of the state's total education budget. The Lottery's success is directly tied to agency efforts to create new and innovative Lottery products designed to drive sales and increase contributions to education.