CHARLESTON, WV - For the first time in several months, West Virginia Lottery revenues increased last month, which Lottery Director John Musgrave attributed in part to a break in harsh winter weather, the Charleston Gazette reports.

"With good weather, we're seeing kind of a bounce," Musgrave said.

For the month, lottery revenues totaled $119.66 million, up 11 percent from January and 18 percent from February 2010. All categories except racetrack video lottery exceeded expectations.

Traditional online and instant games totaled $18 million for the month, a 29 percent increase from February 2010, with Lottery marketing director Nikki Orcutt predicting March figures to be even better, especially with jackpots for Powerball and MegaMillions exceeding $100 million.

Year-to-date, lottery revenue totals $915.6 million, up $28.4 million from the same period in the 2009-2010 budget year.