Welfare lottery sales in China exceeded 20 billion yuan (US$2.4 billion) in 2003, generating 7 billion yuan for the country's public welfare fund.

In 2003, the sales of welfare lottery increased 3.2 billion yuan over the previous year, up 19.05 percent, setting records for the third consecutive year, according to the China Welfare Lottery Distribution Center.

Of the total raised funds, 3.47 billion would be used to help the elderly, disabled and poor people. Another 3.5 billion went to the central treasury for welfare projects.

(eastday.com January 10, 2004)