The Massachusetts Lottery has published its sales totals for the month of September. The latest report shows lottery sales around the state have declined since the same prior year period.
During the month, overall lottery sales fell by 8.9%, with a grand total of $40.3m in revenue loss. According to the report, “every single product was in the red for the month.”
The state reported similar declining trends for the quarter as well. Lottery sales decreased by $60.6m or 3.8% for the first fiscal 2023 quarter. The state had fewer prize claims so far this year, which has also contributed to the decline, according to Interim Executive Director Mark William Bracken.
He noted the decline in lottery sales is not limited to Massachusetts – it is happening with its surrounding neighbors as well.
Bracken commented: “There is a trend across the country, every single state is down in sales. And a lot of states have a lot of leeway in how they can handle the market because of the way their funding sources are done.”
Despite the downward trend, Bracken said he is confident the state can stay within its budget.
He concluded by saying: “I think we all know in Massachusetts we are different. We are purely appropriated. We are given a set budget for the year, and we have to live inside that budget.
“We did see a slight increase last year, but by no means is that an increase that we can be reactionary to, given certain market trends.”
State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg agreed and noted this is a “challenge” that is manageable.
She said: “We have a challenge, but we don’t have the ultimate control on how we respond to the challenge. It’s very straightforward.”
