The Louisiana Lottery Corporation announced today that it has transferred nearly $12 million from March revenues to the state treasury department.

President Rose Hudson said that March revenues of over $34 million resulted in $11,982,960 being sent to the state treasury, up more than 5 percent from March 2006.

"Since we began operations in 1991, over $5.1 billion in revenue has been generated by our scratch-off and on-line ticket sales and over $1.8 billion has been transferred to the state treasury department," she added.

Under state law, the treasury department receives 35 percent of every $1 sale. At least 50 percent is returned to players in the form of prizes and retailers receive at least 5 percent as commission on ticket sales. Less than 10 percent is retained by the Lottery for operating costs.

Hudson noted that all ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age and that anyone with a gambling problem, or friends of anyone with a gambling problem, are encouraged to call toll-free 1-877-770-7867.