Massachusetts picks Aristocrat Interactive for iLottery: report
The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (MSLC) has reportedly confirmed that Aristocrat Interactive will provide the technology behind its anticipated online lottery launch in 2026. The contract, which begins on 1 July 2026, will run for an initial five years with three potential three-year extensions.
Aristocrat Interactive is the regulated real-money arm of Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. It was formed in 2024 through the merger of Anaxi with NeoGames’ portfolio of businesses. The company will deliver Massachusetts a full-service online lottery platform that includes eInstant and draw-based games, player account management systems, an aggregation platform for third-party content, marketing and promotional support and compliance and responsible gaming tools, according to SBC Americas.
MSLC Executive Director Mark Bracken said the selection followed a comprehensive procurement process, adding, “Aristocrat Interactive demonstrated the best value for the Commonwealth.” Aristocrat Interactive CEO Moti Malul said, “We are extremely proud to be selected as the partner for MSLC after a highly competitive process. We look forward to helping the MSLC expand player engagement through innovative and responsible online play and further enhance their ability to support local communities.”
Strong North American lottery presence
Aristocrat Interactive is already a prominent player in the North American lottery sector. In July, the supplier launched iLottery services in New Hampshire, and it has also signed a six-year agreement with the Michigan Lottery to begin in July 2026. Through NeoPollard Interactive, its joint venture with Pollard Banknote, Aristocrat currently powers lottery services in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Alberta.
Massachusetts iLottery timeline pushed back
The MSLC was granted the authority to expand into online lottery after Governor Maura Healey signed the 2025 state budget, which included provisions for mobile and digital lottery sales. Originally, Bracken had anticipated a late 2025 launch. However, delays pushed the start date into 2026, with the new contract making July 2026 the earliest possible rollout.
Massachusetts already has around 350,000 verified players registered on its lottery website. While the retail lottery age limit remains 18, online players will be required to be 21 or older. Last year, Massachusetts’s budget plan included legislation to introduce online lottery in the state. It made Massachusetts the 11th state to offer online lottery.
Revenue expectations
The introduction of iLottery was initially projected to generate $100 million in additional annual revenue. State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg later revised the figure to $70 million for the first fiscal year due to the delayed rollout. Revenue is forecast to grow to $180 million in year two and $230 million in year three. When the online lottery launches, players will be able to purchase draw game tickets and play eInstants, which share similarities with online slot machines.
In separate news, Massachusetts is poised for major changes in online gambling. House Bill 4431, introduced by Representative David Muradian, seeks to legalise and regulate online casinos. At the same time, this bill proposes banning sweepstakes-style games that use dual-currency systems.
House Bill 4431 was introduced by Representative David Muradian to control internet gaming in Massachusetts. This bill raises issues with player safety and oversight in order to target unregulated sweepstakes and black-market casinos. It suggests a 15 percent tax on online casino operators and expands on current legislation, such as the 20 percent tax on online sports betting.
