Code of Massachusetts Regulations 961 CMR - STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION
Here’s an overview of 961 CMR – Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, including its structure and key provisions:
📘 Structure & Scope
961 CMR 2.00 governs the rules and administration of the Massachusetts State Lottery, established under M.G.L. c. 10 §§ 22–36 and M.G.L. c. 30A. It covers ticket sales, licensing, prize claims, game rules, and more (such as Megabucks, Keno, Powerball, Mega Millions) (mass.gov).
The Commission comprises five members: the State Treasurer (Chair), Secretary of Public Safety, State Comptroller, and two Governor-appointed individuals. A Director—in charge of daily operations—is appointed by the Treasurer with the Governor’s approval (mass.gov).
Key Highlights
Revenue Allocation: Minimum of 45% to prizes, up to 15% for operating expenses; remainder funds the Local Aid Fund for Massachusetts cities and towns (mass.gov).
Definitions & Terminology: Comprehensive definitions for terms like Claims Center, Digitally Created Barcode, Mobile Claim, High-frequency Prize Winner, etc. (mass.gov).
Sales Agent Licensing:
Anyone seeking to sell lottery tickets must file an application and license under 961 CMR 2.08, subject to eligibility criteria (no gambling-related convictions, etc.) (mass.gov, regulations.justia.com).
Agents must annually update their license, post it visibly, maintain records, bond for performance, and may be converted to vending machines at the Director’s discretion (mass.gov).
Game Operations & Claims:
The Director sets detailed rules via Administrative Bulletins (e.g., for Megabucks, Keno, Powerball, Mega Millions) (law.cornell.edu, mass.gov).
Prize claims: procedures, mobile claims, and high-frequency claimant rules (20+ claims of $1,000+ in 365 days) (mass.gov).
Payments must be issued promptly; first installment timings determined by prize type. Suspensions can apply in suspicious high-frequency cases .
Prize Ownership & Payment Locations:
Lottery ticket ownership in bearer form goes to the person physically in possession when claiming, and only one claimant is recognized per prize (mass.gov, law.cornell.edu).
Prize payments are made at designated locations (e.g., Braintree office) as specified by the Director (regulations.justia.com).
Additional CMR Titles
961 CMR 3.00: Rules governing Beano (a form of bingo).
961 CMR 4.00: Regulations for raffle and bazaar permits (mass.gov).
🔗 Accessing the Full Text
Use the Mass.gov PDF of 961 CMR 2.00 (729 KB) listing the full chapters: Definitions, Licensed Agents, Game rules, Prize claims, Keno, Powerball, etc. (mass.gov).
You may request the official print version from the Trial Court Law Libraries or via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s bookstore—pricing starts at $7.85 for CMR 1–4 (sec.state.ma.us).
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