Earlier this week, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the fiscal year 2025 budget, which officially legalized an online lottery in the state.
The Massachusetts Lottery estimates the online platform will be ready in about 16 months, with a planned Dec. 2025 launch. As per Massachusetts legislation, iLottery players must be at least 21 years old to participate.
"Our team is excited to implement an online Lottery," said executive director of the Massachusetts Lottery, Mark William Bracken, in a press release.
“We are ready and prepared to offer our players a modern lottery experience in a safe and accessible environment. At the same time, the Lottery is unwavering in its commitment to our dedicated retail partners who have helped us become the most successful lottery in the country."
‘The most successful lottery in the country’
Following the statewide launch of online sports betting in March 2023, the Massachusetts Lottery has been pushing for an online lottery due to concerns the new betting options would affect its retail- only sales.
Still, the Lottery reported a record-breaking revenue of $6.165 billion for the fiscal year 2024. The total, reported earlier this week, broke the record of $6.148 billion set last year.
“I am proud of our team’s performance as we faced mounting challenges in the marketplace. Thank you to our retail partners and our customers for their continued support of our mission,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
Where will the money go?
The introduction of online sales is anticipated to generate an additional $100 million in annual revenue for the Massachusetts Lottery. According to the Lottery, proceeds will establish a grant program to support essential early childhood education and care services.
“We are prepared to implement a safe and reliable iLottery that will produce significant resources for critical childcare services, which are so desperately needed across the state,” commented Goldberg.
About the Massachusetts Lottery
The Massachusetts Lottery was created in 1971 to generate revenue for the state's 351 towns and cities. The first ticket was sold in 1972 and since then, the Lottery has collected more than $155 billion in revenue and awarded over $109 billion in prizes. It's currently run by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, which is made up of five members responsible for setting policy and ensuring safe lottery operations.
The Massachusetts Lottery offers a variety of draw games, such as The Numbers Game, Keno, and Megabucks, alongside instant scratch tickets, with prizes reaching up to $25 million.
The state also participates in several multi-state lotteries, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and the Connecticut Lottery’s Lucky 4 Life. At present, tickets for these drawings can be purchased from local retailers, including convenience stores and gas stations.
