Maryland’s lottery and four casinos made $849.2 million for the state in the last fiscal year, a 2.4 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, the agency that oversees gambling in Maryland reported Monday.

The increase comes as lottery sales dropped about 1.7 percent to $1.7 billion, contributing $521.1 million in revenue to the state’s general fund. Stephen Martino, director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, said the lower lottery sales are attributable to the growth in Maryland’s casino industry.

“A reduction in traditional lottery revenue occurred last fiscal year, but that money combined with Education Trust Fund proceeds from casinos produced an overall increase in gaming revenue to the state,” Martino said.

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