Massachusetts State Lottery announces first big winners from online game platform

DORCHESTER, MA – The Massachusetts State Lottery is celebrating its first big eInstant prize winners, with two players claiming a combined total of over $300,000 Wednesday after purchasing and playing separate eInstant games on the recently launched Mass Lottery Online platform.

These are the first online prizes of $50,000 or more won since Mass Lottery Online officially launched on Monday, July 27. All prizes of this amount must be claimed at the Lottery’s headquarters in Dorchester.

Cameron West of East Bridgewater won a $234,176.11 prize (before taxes) Tuesday, August 4 on a $10 bet while playing “The Lamp,” one of 22 eInstant games available on the online platform.

“It’s cool to be the first online winner,” said West while reflecting on his winning moment. “I think it’s going to be something that’s here to stay.” West added that he plans to put his winnings toward remodeling his basement into a nursery and playroom for his grandchild.

Richard Theberge of Milton won a $68,283.97 prize (before taxes) Wednesday, August 5 on a $10 bet while playing “Wheel of Bonuses,” another online-only eInstant game.

“It was an absolutely amazing feeling,” recalled Theberge, when asked how it felt to see his prize notification pop-up.

Both prizes were progressive jackpot prizes available on select eInstant games.

To play Mass Lottery games online, players must be 21 or older and physically located in Massachusetts at the time of play and to make a deposit to their account. Players need to have a Mass Lottery Player Account, which can be created at masslottery.com or by downloading the Mass Lottery App on a mobile device or tablet.

Free, confidential, and 24/7 help is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-522-4700).