Lottery players in Massachusetts can now cash in online. Two years after a change in state law made online lottery sales legal, the Massachusetts Lottery launched its offerings Monday — for people 21 and older.
“The launch of our online platform marks an exciting new chapter for the Lottery as we continue to evolve and meet the needs of today’s players,” Deborah B. Goldberg, the state treasurer and chair of the state’s Lottery Commission, said in a press release.
Lottery officials have argued the online lottery is necessary for the agency to remain relevant in an era of widespread and convenient gambling options, and in a state where residents — per capita — gamble more than any other.
The online version features new and familiar games and can be played on the Mass Lottery app or website on mobile devices, computers and tablets.
Massachusetts legalized an online lottery when Gov. Maura Healey signed the state budget in 2024.
“In launching our online platform, we really took a deliberate approach,” said Christian Teja, the chief iLottery officer for the Massachusetts State Lottery. “We only had one shot at it, and we wanted to make sure we did it right.”
Goldberg has estimated that online sales could yield an extra $70 million in state revenues for the first fiscal year and climb substantially in the years to come.
Profits from online sales will fund a grant program to support early childhood education and care, though the lottery does not decide where the money is spent. It diverges from what’s traditionally been done with profits since the state Lottery was launched in 1972.
“The retail sales at the brick-and-mortar locations have always supported unrestricted local aid for cities and towns,” Teja said. “And with the passage of online Lottery, it was decided that the proceeds from online Lottery would support early childhood education and care grants throughout the commonwealth.”
Several draw-based games sold at retail will now be available for purchase online: Mass Cash, Megabucks, Mega Millions, Powerball, and Millionaire for Life.
There are new games available only online, including eInstant Games and daily draws. Additional games are expected to be introduced later this year, including virtual horse racing.
The online Lottery has also implemented numerous features to promote responsible play.
“Responsible gaming and player wellness is very important to us — and we value that and put a premium on that,” Teja said.
Players can set play limits and those who do not will continue to be notified of the option on a monthly basis. Stricter limits take effect immediately, while any increase requires a 48-hour period.
Online games will also feature a session timer during game play as well as an in-game pop-up message after 30 minutes of play, with additional notices at 30-minute intervals.
And the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline number is regularly displayed on the Mass Lottery’s online platform.
To help enforce the age limit, new Mass Lottery Player Account holders will undergo identity verification at registration, including a full nine-digit Social Security number check along with the player’s legal full name, date of birth and residential address.
Retail sales will still be available to people over the age of 18.
