Massachusetts Online Lottery Faces Major Delay – Residents Won’t See It Until 2026
Massachusetts residents eager to try their luck with the state’s new online lottery will have to wait until April 2026, thanks to significant delays in securing the necessary $2.5 million in funding. Originally set for a 2025 launch, the project has been pushed back as the Massachusetts Lottery awaits crucial government support.
Funding Delays Push Back Launch Plans
Though legalized in June 2024 and signed into law by Governor Maura Healey in July, the online lottery’s progress has stalled.
The Massachusetts Lottery was expecting the required funding much sooner, but officials now predict the money will arrive between November 2024 and January 2025.
The development process, expected to take 16 months, will begin once the funds are secured.
Lowered Revenue Projections Due to Delays
The funding setbacks have prompted a revision of the revenue forecast. Initial projections of $100 million in the first year have been reduced to $70 million, but growth is expected to ramp up, with revenues hitting $180 million in the second year and $230 million by year three.
The money raised through the online lottery will go toward supporting early childhood education and care programs in the state.
Despite fears that the online platform could cannibalize retail sales, Lottery Director Mark Bracken reassured that states with similar online lotteries have actually seen retail sales rise.
In fact, the Massachusetts Lottery plans to link online bonuses to in-store redemption, which could drive more traffic to brick-and-mortar outlets.
Recommended