{"id":374029,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-state-lotteries-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:50:42","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:50:42","slug":"massachusetts-state-lotteries-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-state-lotteries-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts State Lotteries Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts State Lotteries Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

State lotteries are state-run games of chance that often include both scratch-off tickets and drawings. Lottery winners typically receive cash prizes. Massachusetts state lottery laws earmark a portion of lottery revenues for state funds and projects.<\/p>\n

You can learn more about Massachusetts’ state lottery laws in the following chart. For additional information, see the links at the end of this article or see Details on State Lottery Laws<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

Code Section<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 10, sections 22 through 35 are known as the \u201cstate lottery law.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Distribution of Lottery Revenue<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Total revenue from the sale lottery tickets sold are divided as follows:<\/p>\n

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  • At least 45% for the payment of prizes;<\/li>\n
  • No more than 15% for administration and operating expenses; and<\/li>\n
  • The balance to the State Lottery Fund for budgeted aid to cities and towns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Additional Purpose of Lottery<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

The lottery commission is also authorized to conduct a lottery for the following reasons:<\/p>\n

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  • To benefit of the arts;<\/li>\n
  • To provide property tax relief;  <\/li>\n
  • To continue services at the local level; and<\/li>\n
  • To accommodate discrepancies between revenues and related expenses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Lottery Prize Subject to Garnishment<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

On prizes over $600, money may be seized if the winner owes back child support payments.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Time Limit to Claim Prize\/Disposition<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Lottery winners have one year to claim prizes. Any unclaimed money will be allocated in same manner as other lottery revenue.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Prohibited Related Activities<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

The following activities related to the Massachusetts lottery are prohibiting:<\/p>\n