The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) made its largest transfer ever to the state last week.

The NCEL transferred more than $114 million for sales in its third quarter, which is January through March. This transfer brings the tally to date to more than $1.032 billion in just three years, according to a news release. The NCEL started sales on March 30, 2006.

"Everyone here at the lottery is extremely pleased that in three years we have been able to make such a substantial contribution to the state," said Tom Shaheen, NCEL executive director. "Our daily mission at the lottery is to maximize sales and raise as much money as we possibly can for North Carolina. We appreciate the support of players and lottery retailers throughout the state who help us with that mission."

Detailed information on where the money has gone so far is available in the NCEL's 2007-2008 beneficiary brochure is available online at nc-educationlottery.org. The brochure includes county-by-county totals for each of the four programs.

The data is through June 30, 2008.

Through March 31, 2009, the NCEL has surpassed $3.1 billion total gross sales. More than 95 cents of every dollar is returned to North Carolina in the form of beneficiary programs, prizes and retailer commissions.