SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Lottery officials say sales for the fiscal year that ended June 30 topped $2.67 billion, a nearly 18 percent increase over the previous year.

Lottery Superintendent Michael Jones says a key to increased sales was the change in the lottery's image. The lottery is managed by a private company called Northstar Lottery Group.

Jones says the lottery placed an emphasis on specialty games such as Veterans' Cash and Ticket for the Cure. That allowed players to risk money for a large prize, with proceeds going to a cause they believe in.