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With the signing of the fiscal year 2025 budget this week, Gov. Maura Healey greenlit online lottery sales for Massachusetts. This new law enables anyone 21 or older to purchase lottery tickets conveniently from their homes, although lottery tickets will still be available for purchase by those aged 18 and older at physical retail locations.
In a news release, State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, expressed gratitude to Healey for approving online lottery sales in the state budget. Goldberg said this will allow the lottery to compete more effectively and reach a wider audience.
Key takeaways
- By signing the fiscal 2025 budget, Healey allows Massachusetts to sell lottery tickets online. State lottery officials anticipate a launch of December 2025.
- Residents aged 21 and older will be able to purchase lottery tickets online, with physical sales still available to those 18 and older.
- Proceeds from the online lottery are earmarked to fund early childhood education and care programs.
iLottery will focus on education funding and responsible gaming
The Massachusetts Lottery anticipates that it will take approximately 16 months to develop and implement its online lottery platform, targeting a December 2025 launch.
Proceeds from online ticket sales will fund grants for early childhood education and care programs. Executive Director of the Mass Lottery Mark William Bracken said: “Our team is excited to implement an online lottery.
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.”
To mitigate potential risks associated with online gambling and promote responsible gambling, the budget mandates stringent advertising guidelines for iLottery.
Massachusetts expands lottery with promising revenue projections
Massachusetts will be joining a growing list of states offering online lottery sales. Soon, Bay State residents can purchase lottery tickets from their computers or smartphones, joining neighbors New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island, as well as other states like Georgia and Pennsylvania.
While waiting for the official state-run online lottery, Massachusetts residents have already been able to play through third-party apps like Jackpocket, which operates in multiple states.
The Massachusetts Lottery has been a staple in the state since 1972. Over the years, it has generated a substantial amount of revenue, awarding billions in prizes to lucky players while also contributing over $33 billion to the state’s coffers.
The state has allocated $100 million from anticipated online lottery revenue to improve childcare and early childhood education programs through the Commonwealth Cares for Children grants. Overall, online lottery sales are projected to generate up to $200 million in revenue.
