The Massachusetts Lottery was established on September 27, 1971, following the legalization of gambling by the Massachusetts General Court, the legislature of the Commonwealth. The Lottery is administered by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. It is a member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) since 1972.

As with most U.S. lotteries, lottery games in Massachusetts require players to be at least 18 years old.

Drawings are broadcast on WBZ-TV (channel 4) the CBS-station in the Boston television market.

The Massachusetts Lottery is run by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (MSLC).

The MSLC has five members:

A Director of the Lottery is appointed by the Chair of the MSLC, albeit requiring approval by the Governor. The Director reports directly to the Chair.

The Numbers Game is played twice daily. It draws 4 1-digit numbers, bets can be made on a 1-digit and/or 2-digit number. 3-digit numbers are "first 3" or "last 3," as a 3-digit number is not drawn separately. Minimum wagers are 25 cents on a 3-digit or 4-digit number, and 50 cents on a 2-digit number or 1-digit.

Payouts are on a pari-mutuel basis, the payout percentage is 60% on 1- and 2-digit wagers, 70% on 3-digit bets, and 50% on a 4-digit number.