The state lottery was established by the Massachusetts legislature in 1971 to bring in more revenue. A five-member commission oversees the agency, with the state treasurer serving as chair. There is also an executive director who handles the day-to-day operations, while the commission regulates the types of games allowed, prices, prize structures, methods of payment and licensing.
A brief time line shows that the Numbers Game was introduced in 1976, followed in 1987 by Mass Millions and Mass Cash in 1991. Today the lottery is also involved in a multistate Mega Millions drawing. Other products include Keno, The Daily Race Game and various scratch tickets. See the official website for more information about tax rates on winnings and to find out how to play.