(AP) -- The Georgia Lottery Corp. says it posted record first-half profits. 

The Lottery says profits for the first half of fiscal 2010 totaled $429,754,000, surpassing the previous record set last fiscal year by more than $8.49 million.

Georgia's fiscal year begins July 1.  The Georgia Lottery says it's the only traditional lottery in the U.S. to experience 11 consecutive years of increased profits. 

Georgia Lottery profits go to pay for specific educational programs, including Georgia's HOPE Scholarship Program and Georgia's Pre-K Program.

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