Pennsylvania residents spent $3.08 billion during the 2007-08 fiscal year on state lottery tickets, helping set a new record.

The numbers are surprising because state officials reported earlier this year that they noticed a decline in lottery sales in areas where slot parlors opened.

But the final numbers don't lie. The state took in $3.08 billion from the lottery as of June 30.

Some people consider the lottery a hidden tax but at least you get a tiny chance of winning a few bucks and you get the pleasure of rubbing off tickets with a coin on the scratch tickets.

You know you're not going to get anything out of the regular tax money you turn over to the state.

Why don't we just abolish all other taxes in Pennsylvania and just sell lottery tickets to everyone?

Pennsylvania Lottery Sets New Sales Record