New state treasurer says Massachusetts Lottery ticket sales on rise, but challenges loom

The Massachusetts Lottery has enjoyed its most successful holiday sales period ever.

That's according to new state Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who told lawmakers the lottery took in $972 million during the ten weeks from early November through early January. She said that was a 5.6 percent increase over the previous year.

But while overall sales are on the rise, Goldberg also noted that customers are gradually moving toward higher-priced games that also offer higher payouts. The shift has offset some of the gains from increased sales, but she said the lottery remains on target to meet its projected $947 million profit for the current fiscal year.

Goldberg, who took office last Wednesday, said the lottery faces more challenges ahead, including competition for gambling dollars from a slots parlor slated to open later this year in Plainville.