SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- The Illinois Lottery has had its highest ever single year of sales, recording more than $2.2 billion over the last fiscal year.

Lottery officials said Tuesday sales rose by 5.4% in fiscal year 2010 from fiscal year 2009.

They say the newly added Powerball game and a push to reach new audiences contributed to the rise, among other factors.

Instant games like Blackhawks Cash, Crossword and Bingo led sales.

The lottery transferred $625 million to Illinois public schools and another $32 million for new capital projects.

It also raised more than $4 million through specialty games for veterans groups and breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS charities,

The Illinois Lottery is a state agency that was founded 36 years ago in 1974.

Players must be at least 18 years old.

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