Massachusetts to consider online lottery, fantasy sports

The Massachusetts Lottery Commission has revealed that it has begun collecting information on the online lottery industry as part of the potential legalisation of fantasy sports and other internet gaming in the US state.

In a request for information, the Commission said it will invite organisations to “submit proposals for the development, implementation, operational support, and maintenance of a Massachusetts Lottery iLottery System…and the development and integration of digital versions of existing and new lottery games including but not limited to social gaming and daily fantasy sports options”.

The Lottery also declared an interest in information regarding “gaming systems that allow for cross-pollination between online applications and physical retailer space and any other progressive gaming opportunities that may be available”.

The Commission stated it is keen to gather information on the process behind player account registration, management and authentication, as well as web-based wagering and payments systems.

The request for information comes after Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey in November put forward a number of daily fantasy sports (DFS) regulations in an effort to help protect consumers in the US state.

Michael Sweeney, who was recently appointed as executive director of the Massachusetts Lottery, also said the organisation will consider legalising fantasy sports betting in an effort to generate additional revenue.

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