Massachusetts to Launch Online Lottery in 2025
On Monday, July 29, Governor Maura Healey signed the 2025 state budget into law, which includes an amendment allowing online lottery ticket sales and digital games in the state.
Only players aged 21 or older will be allowed to purchase tickets online in Massachusetts. (Source: Paulo Diniz, Pixabay)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:With the legislative framework in place, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission will now embark on a search for a qualified vendor to operate its online system.
According to Mark Bracken, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Lottery, the online platform should go live in 16 months, which is equivalent to late 2025.
Under the updated lottery laws, only players aged 21 or older will be allowed to purchase tickets online, unlike retail stores, which have a minimum age requirement of 18.
Apart from draw games, Massachusetts players will also be able to enjoy instant games, which resemble online slot machines. Some instant titles also feature progressive jackpots, giving the state's players a taste of online gambling. The Bay State does not currently legalize online gaming.
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The money generated from online lottery ticket sales will be directed toward supporting early childhood education and care, as mandated by state law. Furthermore, a share of the new revenue received from the iLottery program would fund programs that benefit the state's most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Since its establishment in 1972, the Massachusetts State Lottery has generated over $155 billion in revenue and expects online sales to add an extra $100 million annually.
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.
In addition to increased revenue, advocates of the online lottery initiative argue that digital lottery sales will also boost competition, keeping pace with neighboring states like New Hampshire and Rhode Island, which have online lottery markets.
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