The launch of the Massachusetts online lottery is now slated for April 2025, with full implementation not expected until 2026, according to state officials. State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, who also chairs the Massachusetts Lottery, shared this update during a recent meeting with the Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Progress has been slower than initially expected. “The launch has been slow going so far,” Goldberg stated, clarifying that the revised timeline pushes the project from the original fall 2025 estimate to a later start.
Lottery Director Mark Bracken also acknowledged funding delays. The lottery has yet to receive the $2.5 million necessary to expand its scope.
Although the state legislature passed the bill legalizing online lottery in June and Governor Maura Healey signed it into law in July, the clock for the 16-month countdown to launch will not begin until that funding is secured.
Goldberg also tempered expectations around the financial impact of the new online lottery. “We have revised our expectations for the first fiscal year down from $100 million to $70 million,” she said, reflecting the delays. However, the long-term outlook remains positive. State revenue is expected to increase to $180 million in the second year and reach $230 million in the third.
Proceeds from the online lottery, or iLottery, will support vital childcare services in the state. The legislation that paved the way for this expansion was a significant victory for Goldberg, who had long advocated for the online lottery before it was included in this year’s state budget.
The online platform will offer more than just traditional lottery tickets. It will include draw tickets and einstant games, which resemble online slot machines in terms of gameplay.
While the funding has not yet been disbursed, the lottery has already issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is evaluating potential providers to ensure the project is ready to move forward once the funds arrive.