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What was supposed to be a thrilling new chapter in Massachusetts gaming turned into a waiting game. The highly anticipated launch of an online lottery platform in MA has been pushed back to April 2026.
Initially expected to launch within 16 months of legislation passing in July, the project now hangs in limbo due to funding uncertainties, according to a State House News Service story that appeared on WBUR‘s website.
“So initially we were feeling it was going to be about 16 months, and it’s probably going to take a little bit longer,” State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who chairs the Lottery Commission, said in the story.
Key takeaways
- The Massachusetts iLottery platform launch has been delayed to April 2026 due to funding uncertainties.
- The delayed launch risks $100 million in grant revenue for early childhood education and care in fiscal year 2025.
- Despite funding delays, the Massachusetts Lottery continues with platform development, partnering with vendors, and hiring staff.
Massachusetts iLottery in a funding conundrum
Under legislation enacted on July 29, Massachusetts’ online lottery was anticipated to commence operations next year. However, the necessary $2.5 million in government funding remains outstanding.
As officials await financial clearance, questions surround the state’s allocation priorities. Lottery Director Mark William Bracken said: “Unfortunately, we have not received funding yet to do anything with the online lottery.
“We’re waiting for the House and Senate to take that fiscal year 2024 close out budget… once we get that $2.5 million, that’s really when the 16-month clock starts ticking.”
The ripple effect of Massachusetts’ iLottery delay
A critical funding source for early childhood education and care grants is in jeopardy due to the delayed launch of Massachusetts’ iLottery. Initially expected to generate $100 million in revenue according to carved-out funds from the MA fiscal 2025 budget, the platform’s spring 2026 debut pushes that funding to fiscal 2027.
State officials must reassess budget allocations to ensure childcare grants receive necessary funding this year. According to lottery officials, iLottery is projected to drive $70 million in revenue in its first full year and potentially $360 million after a decade.
MA iLottery platform projections
Despite funding delays, the Massachusetts Lottery is pushing forward with its iLottery platform development. As of Oct. 15, conversations have been held with six platforms and three game vendors.
Nearly 20 employees will be hired to run the platform, and a consulting service will be brought on board once funding is secured.
The platform aims to attract new players while retaining loyal customers. The MA online lottery platform’s key considerations are to provide:
- A seamless user experience
- Game variety
- Security and responsible gaming resources
The Bay State lottery has issued a bid for a third-party business to help create the state’s online lottery platform. Speaking of third parties, Massachusetts iLottery will have competition for market share with Jackpot.com and Jackpocket.
The state’s online lottery platform will feature games like virtual scratch tickets. There will also be themed mini-games providing a twist on traditional scratch tickets. Bracken continued:
“We want this to be the best platform with the best offerings for our players, so if it does take us a little bit longer to do it, then so be it.”
“Our biggest fear is that a player visits, doesn’t like what they see, and never comes back… I want my player to be confident and like what they see on day one,” Bracken continued.
