July receipts down for Ark. lottery, weather cited

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas lottery had July revenues that were more than $2 million lower than the same month a year ago.

Lottery Director Bishop Woosley said Monday that a lingering heat wave along with rising gasoline prices likely contributed to the slump.

Woosley says a Powerball jackpot that reached $320 million last week helped boost sales in late July and early August. About $6.5 million worth of Powerball tickets were sold during the run-up to the drawing.

One of Woosley's priorities is boosting sales of draw games, which have a higher profit margin.