SPRINGFIELD - For the first time, the state took in more than $2 billion in Illinois Lottery receipts in a year, a mark officials say is a result of more people taking their chances with the games.

In the 2002 fiscal year, the state pulled in just more than $1.5 billion. But in the fiscal year that ended in June, the state pulled in more than $2 billion.

Lottery spokeswoman Katherine Ridgway said the increase is a result of more people buying tickets for the first time, rather than habitual players buying more.

She credited promotions tied into popular TV shows like "Deal or No Deal" as possible draws for people who may have previously stayed away from scratch-offs.

"Our biggest goal, really, is bringing in new players," Ridgway said.

Illinois Family Institute Executive Director David Smith agreed that the state's probably luring more players in. But he thinks that's a dubious accomplishment.

Smith argued that lottery ads tempting lottery ticket-buyers with possible jackpots are misleading because hardly anyone wins those big payouts.

"It's a terrible deceit perpetrated by the government," he said.

While overall receipts are up, income from the Mega Millions game was down to $195 million during the last fiscal year, down from $243 million the year before.

The success of Mega Millions varies depending on the size of jackpots during a particular year, Ridgway said. Bigger pots tend to drive ticket sales.

"We like to think any jackpot is a good jackpot," Ridgway said.