Massachusetts Lottery’s flat profits further proof of need to expand online

The Massachusetts Lottery is one step closer to offering online sales after the state senate approved the necessary legislation.

Last week, the Massachusetts Senate voted 39-1 in favor of S2423, an economic development bill that contained an amendment by Sen. Jennifer Flanagan which would allow the state Lottery to sell its products both online and via mobile channels.

Flanagan’s amendment was approved by a far smaller margin (22-17), reflecting concerns by both anti-gambling types and the state’s lottery retailers. The latter group fears their businesses will suffer if lottery players are no longer required to hit up the local convenience store to scratch their lottery itch.

Flanagan’s amendment would leave it up to the Massachusetts Lottery Commission to determine what types of online products the Lottery could offer. Last December, the Lottery issued a request for proposals for an ‘iLottery System’ capable of offering everything from digital lottery games to social gaming and daily fantasy sports (DFS).