Massachusetts Online Lottery Launch Delayed to 2026 Due to Funding Issues


Massachusetts-online-lottery-launch-delayed-to-2026Massachusetts residents hoping to participate in the state’s online lottery will have to wait until April 2026 due to delays in receiving the necessary funding to develop the platform. Initially projected to launch by the end of 2025, the timeline has now been pushed back, state officials confirmed.

During a recent Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce meeting, State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts Lottery, revealed that the lottery’s online expansion has been slower than expected. This delay stems from the state not yet receiving the $2.5 million in government funding required to kickstart the project.

Lottery Director Mark Bracken explained that the 16-month timeline to implement the platform will not begin until the funds are allocated. “Unfortunately, we have not received funding yet to do anything with online lottery,” Bracken stated, noting that the money might not arrive until between November 2024 and January 2025.

Funding Delays Push Timeline

Massachusetts lawmakers passed legislation to legalize the online lottery in June 2024, with Governor Maura Healey signing it into law in July. However, the lack of immediate funding has hindered progress, meaning that the state lottery can’t move forward with hiring staff or engaging the necessary consultants to develop the platform.

Once the funding is secured, the Massachusetts Lottery will have 16 months to fully implement the online platform. This timeline pushes the expected launch to spring 2026, instead of the previously estimated fall 2025. Bracken reassured the public that the additional time would allow the lottery to launch a more refined and polished product. “We want this to be the best platform with the best offerings for our players,” he stated.

Financial Expectations Adjusted

The delays have also prompted a revision of the expected revenue generated from the online lottery. Initially, state officials anticipated the platform would bring in $100 million in revenue for the first fiscal year. However, that estimate has now been lowered to $70 million, with revenues expected to increase to $180 million by the second year and $230 million by the third.

The funds raised through the online lottery are earmarked to support early childhood education and care programs in Massachusetts. Despite the setback, the Massachusetts Lottery remains optimistic about the long-term success of the platform once it’s operational.

Gambling, Retail, and Government Impact

Bracken and Goldberg also addressed concerns that the launch of online sales could negatively impact traditional retail sales. However, Bracken dismissed these fears, explaining that, in states where online lottery platforms have been introduced, retail sales have often seen a boost. “In every state that had online lottery, their retail sales grew at a faster pace than states that didn’t have online lottery,” Bracken explained.

In addition, online players will be able to redeem bonuses in retail locations, which is expected to drive further foot traffic to brick-and-mortar lottery outlets. This approach aims to balance the growth of the online lottery with the continued success of traditional lottery retailers.

Preparing for Launch

Although the funding has yet to be finalized, the Massachusetts Lottery is already laying the groundwork for the platform. Officials have been in discussions with several platform providers and game vendors and have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify potential partners for developing the online system.

Once the platform is up and running, players can expect a full suite of digital lottery options, including traditional draw games and innovative e-instant games similar to online slots. Bracken hinted at the possibility of themed mini-games that put a new spin on traditional scratch tickets, providing a fresh experience for players while staying true to the lottery format.

The online platform will allow Massachusetts players to purchase tickets and play instant win games directly from their phones or computers, providing more convenience while also expanding the state’s gambling ecosystem.

Source:

When Massachusetts Expects to Launch Online Lottery, wbsm.com, October 21, 2024.

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Leading Trade Groups Announce Partnership to Address Issues Facing Global Gaming Industry

Three of the world’s most prominent trade groups representing the interests of gaming operators in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe have announced a pact.

gaming trade groups AGA American Gaming Association
(L to R) Graine Hurst, CEO of the Betting & Gaming Council, American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller, and European Casino Association Chair Erwin Van Lambaart sign a pact to collaborate on addressing issues facing the global gaming industry. The landmark memorandum of understanding was signed at the 2024 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas on Oct. 9, 2024. (Image: American Gaming Association)

On Wednesday, the American Gaming Association, the UK’s Betting & Gaming Council, and the European Casino Association announced a memorandum of understanding that marks the beginning of a cross-Atlantic collaboration to share industry values and priorities. The three organizations each committed to addressing key matters facing the global gaming industry, including ongoing efforts to stop illegal gambling and promote responsible gaming, innovation, and casino security.

This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices.”

The collaborative announcement came during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) that is currently being held at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. The event concludes today.

Research Focus

The three trade groups, which promote laws and regulations favorable to the casinos and gaming operators they represent, say their alignment will better foster the development of joint research and expedite the implementation of new best practices.

The first initiative, the groups said, will be a law enforcement roundtable in January 2025. The discussion will center on how illegal gambling impacts the regulated industry and puts consumers at risk.

The session will explore strategies to enhance cross-jurisdictional communication and the development of “actionable solutions” to address the challenges associated with illegal gambling, a statement regarding the collaboration explained.

Gaming Getting Younger

The global gaming industry is richer than ever before. In 2023, the US, the richest gaming country in the world, generated almost $110 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) from commercial and tribal gaming operations.

Gaming continues to expand worldwide. The United Arab Emirates’ forthcoming casino industry is projected to add up to $5 billion annually in new GGR, while new casinos in the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea additionally continue to open.

Macau’s COVID-19 recovery is ongoing. In the US, casinos continue to debut in jurisdictions like Virginia and Illinois, and the global industry’s eyes are heavily fixated on the impending integrated casino resort developments in New York City.

Miller said at G2E this week that the gaming demographic, at least stateside, is finally trending younger. After years of toying with new ideas, including electronic games that included skill elements, as millennials were thought not to enjoy slots nearly as much as their parents and grandparents, Miller says the industry’s innovators have finally found new ways to appeal to younger people. Sports betting has also helped.

A decade ago, the gaming industry was trying to figure out why we weren’t appealing to younger generations. The mantra back then was, well, we’ll get them when they’re 50,” Miller explained.

Miller detailed that the average age of a casino patron in 2019 was 50. Today, it’s 42.

“This is a huge shift,” Miller said. “It’s one that we need to keep driving to stay on the growth trajectory.”

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Curacao Issues First iGaming Licenses Under New Regime

first_license_issued_by_curacao_gaming_control_boardThe Curacao Gaming Control Board, the government body in charge of regulating iGaming in the region, has announced it issued its first licenses under the new regulatory regime that came into effect last year.

Among the entities receiving licenses we can find White Star, a brand that is part of the Rhino Entertainment Group, which secured a new license for its CasinoDays online casino brand. At the same time brands such as Games and More, Geeka Corporation and Small House have received Digital Seals from the Gaming Control Board.

The confirmation of the licenses being issued comes just twelve weeks after Curacao launched its new licensing process, with applications being received starting the first day of November 2023.

The licensing portal has been processing new applications under existing legislation, asking all licensees to submit applications if they want to keep operating after the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance gets approved. Once that new legislation comes into effect, the Curacao Gaming Authority will take control of the licensing process and of the whole regulatory side of the iGaming business in the region. The new law was submitted to the Curacao Parliament for approval in December 2023.

A Transformative Period

Cedric Pietersz, the Managing Director of the Curacao Gaming Control Board said that “2024 heralds a transformative period in the regulatory landscape of Curacao’s gambling sector” and revealed that the volume of applications for licenses “far exceeded” the regulator’s expectations.

“White Star’s license holds a special place in our hearts and history,” the Managing Director continued. “It signifies a pivotal moment for Curacao’s evolution into a top-tier gambling jurisdiction with many more licenses in process.”

Ross Parkhill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhino Entertainment Group, added that being the first entity to receive such a license represents “a privilege” for his company and also a recognition of its “commitment to excellence and responsible gaming.”

The Chief Executive Officer added that his company “wholeheartedly” supports the new regulatory process that is being implemented in Curacao, underlining that it brings “added value and prestige” to the online casino’s license.

Source: “First License Issued By Curacao Gaming Control Board Under New Regime”. European Gaming. February 5, 2024.

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