Lottery generates $487 for schools

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - According to the Virginia Lottery, fiscal year 2012 has ended in the best year ever for the organization, resulting in more than $487 million generated for public schools.

The entirety of the $487.1 million profits will go to K-12 education, per the Commonwealth's constitution.

John Hagerty with the Lottery says the new Scratcher game and the Mega Millions jackpot in March helped boost sales.

"We're very proud to be able to turn over to the Commonwealth a larger amount in profits than ever before," Virginia Lottery Executive Director Paula Otto said.

The previous record was $455.3 million in 2008.

The biggest winner was McLean's Brian McCarthy who won a jackpot of $107 million in July.

Hagerty says players collected $962.3 million in prizes, which is $81.3 million more than the previous year.