Massachusetts Lottery

The Massachusetts Lottery was established in 1971, following the legalization of gambling by the Massachusetts General Court, the legislature of the Commonwealth. The Lottery is administered by a commission of five members, who include the Treasurer and Receiver-General (who serves as chairperson); the Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety; and the Comptroller, who serve on an ex officio basis. The Governor appoints the other two members.

The Lottery is unusual in withholding 5 percent on prizes over $600, instead of only over $5,000 (the Federal level.) The withholding on prizes of at least $5,000 is 30 percent.

The Numbers Game is played twice daily. It draws four 1-digit numbers; bets can be made on a one-digit and/or two-digit number. Three-digit numbers are "first three" or "last three", as a three-digit number is not drawn separately. Minimum wagers are 25 cents on a three-digit or four digit number; 50 cents on a two-digit number or one-digit.

Payouts are on a pari-mutuel basis; the payout percentage is 60 percent on one- and two-digit wagers; 70 percent on three-digit bets, and 50 percent on a four-digit number.

Keno is played at retailers that are equipped with a special monitor. Drawings are four minutes apart. Prices, prizes, and options vary.

This is a poker-themed game with a side bet. The basic game costs $1; if the computer-generated "hand" is a Royal Flush, the player wins $25,000. Smaller prizes are for other poker hands. A $2 wager is eligible for the Progressive Jackpot option; the minimum jackpot is $100,000.

In 2011, Mass Cash expanded to daily drawings. Five numbers 01 through 35 are drawn. Top prize is $100,000 (with a $1 million liability limit.) The game is similar to neighboring Connecticut's Cash 5 basic game (without the Kicker.) Four numbers wins $250; three numbers, $10.

Megabucks Doubler is drawn Wednesdays and Saturdays. Six numbers from 1 through 49 are chosen. The jackpot starts at $500,000; unlike previous versions of the game, there is a cash option. Matching 5 out of 6 wins $2,500 ($5,000 with doubler) Matching 4 out of 6 wins $100 ($200 with doubler) 3 out of 6 wins $2 ($4 with doubler)

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