How old do you have to be to play the lottery in Massachusetts?

You must be 18 or older to buy a Massachusetts lottery ticket.

How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in Massachusetts?

365 days, per the lottery's published rules.

Massachusetts taxes lottery prizes at 5%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.

Mass Lottery Online launched on 27 July 2026 for registered players (21+), selling draw game tickets and eInstant games; retail play is 18+.

Independent · Sourced · VerifiedResponsible play Corrections

State guide

By Daniel Whitfield, EditorFacts verified November 3, 2026

Age. You must be 18 or older to buy a ticket or claim a prize.
Claim window. Draw-game prizes must be claimed within 365 days of the drawing. Miss it and the prize goes to the state's unclaimed-prize fund.
Taxes. The state withholds or taxes lottery prizes at 5%, on top of 24% federal withholding above $5,000. Your final bill depends on your return.
Online. Mass Lottery Online launched on 27 July 2026 for registered players (21+), selling draw game tickets and eInstant games; retail play is 18+. Courier apps that state they operate here: Jackpocket, Lotto.com, Jackpot.com.
Where the money goes. Net profit from retail sales funds unrestricted local aid to all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns; online sales fund early childhood education and care grants.

Powerball · Mega Millions · Millionaire for Life · Megabucks · Mass Cash · Keno

Massachusetts state lottery: Megabucks, Mass Cash, Keno and national games, online play and lifetime self-exclusion.

Best for: Massachusetts adults who want in-state draw games, online play and strong responsible-gaming tools.

NJ/NY-licensed courier in 12 states with a published 25% fee on draw tickets and no cut of your prizes.

Best for: Players who want a licensed courier with fees stated up front and are fine paying the premium.

DraftKings-owned lottery courier app: fees shown at checkout, about 12% over face value in observed Colorado prices.

Best for: Players in covered states who want to buy official tickets from their phone and accept a small premium.

US lottery courier app from Lottomatrix Corp (seven states); deposit fees are not published on its app page.

Best for: Players in its seven states who want an alternative app and will check fees at checkout.

State lottery: Massachusetts Lottery
Running since: 1972
Minimum age: 18+
Official online sales: Yes
Courier apps: Jackpocket, Lotto.com, Jackpot.com
State tax on prizes: 5%
Claim deadline: 365 days
Where proceeds go: Net profit from retail sales funds unrestricted local aid to all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns; online sales fund early childhood education and care grants.

How old do you have to be to play the lottery in Massachusetts?: You must be 18 or older to buy a Massachusetts lottery ticket.
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize in Massachusetts?: 365 days, per the lottery's published rules.
Does Massachusetts tax lottery winnings?: Massachusetts taxes lottery prizes at 5%. Federal withholding of 24% also applies above $5,000.
Can you buy lottery tickets online in Massachusetts?: Mass Lottery Online launched on 27 July 2026 for registered players (21+), selling draw game tickets and eInstant games; retail play is 18+.

Facts last verified November 3, 2026

Every figure on this page comes from one of the documents below. If a source has changed since our check, tell us.

Problem gambling help in Massachusetts: state resources or call 1‑800‑GAMBLER.