Massachusetts Lottery

The Massachusetts Lottery was created in 1971 following legislation aimed at generating additional revenue for public programs. Since its inception, it has grown into one of the most respected and successful lotteries in the United States. Massachusetts has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to gambling regulation, and the state lottery has a long history of strong ticket sales and game innovation.

One of the unique aspects of the Massachusetts Lottery is its taxation policy. All prizes over $600 are subject to a 5% state tax, and prizes above $5,000 incur an additional 24% federal withholding. While this is higher than some neighboring states, it hasn't diminished player interest.

Multistate Lottery Games

Massachusetts joined Powerball in 2010, making it one of the later additions to the Multi-State Lottery Association. Since then, it has produced several Powerball jackpot winners, despite being one of the smaller states in population. Powerball drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and the game continues to attract strong participation.

Mega Millions has a longer history in the state. Massachusetts was one of the founding members of The Big Game in 1996, which later became Mega Millions in 2002. The Megaplier feature was added in 2011, allowing players to multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to five times. Drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday.

Massachusetts also participates in Lucky for Life, a multi-jurisdictional game that began in Connecticut. The Massachusetts Lottery was one of the first to join after its expansion, along with several other New England states. Players can win $1,000 a day for life or $25,000 a year for life, making it one of the most appealing prize structures outside of traditional jackpot games.

Popular Massachusetts Lottery Games

The Numbers Game is a Massachusetts exclusive and one of its most widely played games. It resembles traditional Pick games but uses a pari-mutuel payout system. Drawings take place twice daily, giving players frequent opportunities to win based on exact or boxed combinations of three or four digits.

Mass Cash is a daily draw game where players choose five numbers from a pool of 35. The top prize is $100,000, and smaller prizes are awarded for matching three or four numbers. Because the game is now drawn daily, players have increased chances of winning on a regular basis.

Megabucks Doubler is Massachusetts' flagship jackpot game. Players choose six numbers from 1 to 49. The jackpot starts at $500,000 and rolls over until someone wins. Drawings are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In addition to the main jackpot, players can win with as few as two matched numbers, with prizes ranging from $2 to several thousand dollars. Annuity and lump sum payment options are available for jackpot winners.

Discontinued Game: Jackpot Poker

The Massachusetts Lottery once offered a unique digital draw game called Jackpot Poker. It combined traditional lottery play with poker-style hands, allowing players to select five cards from a virtual 52-card deck. The game featured fixed prizes and a progressive jackpot, making it stand out among other offerings. However, Jackpot Poker was officially discontinued on June 30, 2016. While it remained in the regulatory framework for a year after, it is no longer available as part of the current Massachusetts Lottery portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I need to be to play the Massachusetts Lottery?

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets or claim prizes in Massachusetts.

Can I buy Massachusetts Lottery tickets online?

As of 2025, Massachusetts does not offer online ticket sales. Tickets must be purchased from authorized retailers throughout the state.

Are Massachusetts Lottery winnings taxable?

Yes. The state withholds 5% on prizes over $600, and the federal government withholds 24% on prizes over $5,000.

What is the deadline to claim a prize?

Players have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes for draw games. Instant ticket prizes must also be claimed within one year of the game's end date.

What are the most popular games in Massachusetts?

Mega Millions, Powerball, The Numbers Game, Mass Cash, and Megabucks Doubler are among the most popular lottery games in the state.

Where does the lottery revenue go?

Proceeds from the Massachusetts Lottery support the state’s General Fund, which funds local aid, education, infrastructure, and community programs.