Massachusetts Lottery Releases Peppermint-Scented Tickets
The state lottery introduced the new scratch tickets on October 6 to boost holiday interest amid declining retail sales.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Gambling
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The Massachusetts Lottery launched $5 and $10 peppermint-scented scratch tickets on October 6 to attract holiday shoppers. This marketing move aims to offset a 6% decline in retail scratch ticket sales observed in fiscal year 2027.
Why it matters
The introduction of the holiday-themed product is part of a broader effort to maintain revenue levels as traditional retail sales struggle against the growing popularity of digital alternatives. The lottery is attempting to capitalize on the popularity of scratch tickets as traditional holiday gifts.
The $5 and $10 peppermint-scented scratch tickets debuted on October 6. Scratch tickets currently represent 52% of total lottery sales, while online eInstant games make up 18.5% of sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.
The players
Massachusetts Lottery
This state-run agency manages and operates all legal gambling and lottery games within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The details
The Massachusetts Lottery introduced online eInstant games in late July 2026 to supplement retail operations, which saw a 7.3% decline in September 2026. Combined sales for the first three months of fiscal year 2027 reached $1.72 billion.
Timeline
The first quarter of fiscal year 2027 spanned from June 28, 2026, to September 26, 2026.
The lottery launched online eInstant games in late July 2026.
Retail and online sales performance was measured through September 2026.
The lottery released peppermint-scented scratch tickets on October 6, 2026.
Culture Shift
The introduction of scented physical tickets follows a documented industry trend regarding the shift from traditional brick-and-mortar retail lottery sales to digital eInstant platforms. This strategy highlights how state agencies are attempting to maintain the relevance of paper-based gaming in an increasingly digital-first consumer environment.
Shoppers may notice the new holiday-themed tickets at retail locations throughout the state as the lottery promotes them for gifting. Residents should be aware that these tickets are part of the broader state lottery portfolio and are subject to the same odds and regulations as standard scratch games.
The takeaway
The Massachusetts Lottery is using sensory marketing to sustain interest in physical retail tickets as digital gaming grows. Consumers looking to purchase these for gifts should check their local retailers for availability while remaining mindful of their personal gaming budgets.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry trends in the Massachusetts Gambling section.
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