Patriots, Mass. Lottery plan instant ticket

The New England Patriots said today the team is developing the first licensed NFL instant ticket with the Massachusetts State Lottery just days after the football league owners voted to allow teams to partner with lotteries across the country.

"This is going to be a hugely successful collaboration,” Robert Kraft (right), chairman and chief executive of the Kraft Group, which owns the Patriots, said in a statement. "We are looking forward to helping the Lottery generate much needed revenue for the cities and towns of Massachusetts."

The Massachusetts State Lottery said it has a proven track record of creating successful instant ticket products with major sports franchises. These products have generated over $740 million in sales and $101 million in local aid for the cities and towns of Massachusetts.

Last month, the Boston Red Sox unveiled its latest lottery venture, a $5 instant ticket, modeled after the original $5 Boston Red Sox Instant ticket, which was the first Major League Baseball instant ticket in 2006.

The Patriots ticket is expected to go on sale before the start of the 2009 NFL season.

"This is an excellent opportunity for two successful brands to work together on behalf of the communities of Massachusetts," State Treasurer Tim Cahill, chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, said in a statement. "During this economic downturn, cities and towns will benefit from this partnership."
(By Jenn Abelson, Globe staff. File photo of Kraft: David L. Ryan, Globe staff)