2025 Sees the Launch of Massachusetts iLottery

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 09/23/2024

Jane Shaw Senior Editor See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

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The Launch of Massachusetts iLottery

When Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the fiscal year 2025 budget, good news was also announced for gambling enthusiasts in the Bay State. After years of opposition, legislators approved the legislation of iLottery and set a launch date for December 2025. The state already has an established sports betting market and three retail casinos. With the addition of an online lottery, the state will be able to keep up with the nation’s rapidly modernizing gaming market.

The Benefits of iLottery for Massachusetts

Massachusetts already has a state lottery that was created in 1971. Its purpose was to generate local aid revenue for the state’s 351 cities and towns. Since selling the first ticket in March of 1972, more than $32 billion in net profit has been returned to the Commonwealth.

The introduction of iLottery systems has the potential to enhance revenue generation and significantly impact the state lottery in a positive way. Digital access to lottery games means an expansion of the player base, increased ticket sales, and more funds raised for public programs.

The introduction of online sales is hoped to generate an additional $100 million in annual revenue. These processes will be used to introduce a grant program to support essential early childhood education and care services.

State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, commented:

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.

Features of the New Lottery Platform

The new iLottery platform will likely introduce an exciting array of features, including themed games, unique pricing models, and a more tailored gambling experience.

The games may include diverse themes, from classic slots to more adventure-filled games. In terms of pricing, players will be able to choose from one-time fees, subscription-based options, and more.  

What Will iLottery Games Include?

The legislation isn’t specific in the types of games that would be allowed. Instead, it refers to the online lottery offerings with three ambiguous terms: lottery tickets, games, or shares online.

When the online lottery platform launches around December 2025, it’s likely to include draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and Mass Cash. It will also feature digital e-instants similar to online slot machines in gameplay. Mark William Bracken, Massachusetts Lottery Executive Director, also let slip in July, before the budget approval, that there would be online scratch games.

Massachusetts becomes the 15th US jurisdiction with some sort of state-run online lottery offerings and the 11th of those markets with digital instant games in its library. Connecticut offers online draw games and keno but not instants. New York, North Dakota, and Maryland offer online subscriptions to purchase draw game tickets in bulk.

How big will the lottery be? Georgia already generates over $300 million through online lottery games, while New Hampshire generates around $260 million in revenue. Compared with these figures, the projection for $100 million seems extremely conservative.