By 
Massachusetts just has a rich history. American history, of course, but also sports. Three of the most prestigious franchises in all of American sports â Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots â call the state home. This has created a state full of diehard sports fans, and now, bettors too.
It took Massachusetts time to come around to sports betting, but boy, have they finally. This market is poised to become one of Americaâs best for sports wagering based on demographics and yes, that diehard love of sports. Keep reading and weâll give you the full lowdown on betting in Massachusetts!
Is Sports Betting Legal In Massachusetts?
March 10, 2023 â thatâs the landmark day that betting finally launched in Massachusetts. It was one of the last states in the northeast of the country to come around to it, and this is despite DraftKings â the second-biggest betting platform â being headquartered in the state. You just know that DraftKings had to have some influence (e.g. money) on getting betting across the proverbial âgoal lineâ so to speak.
Anyway, there are seven betting apps that are officially licensed by the state. Thatâs probably the perfect amount of options. Not too many where it becomes overwhelming to pick one, but enough to promote competition among them. Speaking of which, that leads us to our next section whichâll compare the app competition in the state.
International Online Sportsbooks Available In Massachusetts
While sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, bettors should be aware that certain types of wagers remain prohibited at state-regulated sportsbooks. Massachusetts offers a strong legal betting market, but some popular betting options are only available through international sportsbooks. Legal sportsbooks in the state are restricted from offering wagers on political events and may have limitations on in-state college teams. Additionally, niche markets like entertainment props or more obscure sports are often unavailable through regulated operators.
For those seeking these types of betting options, international sportsbooks provide a much broader selection. These offshore sites allow wagers on political events, cover a full range of college sports without restrictions, and offer numerous specialty markets that canât be found at legal Massachusetts books. Expanding your betting options to include these international sportsbooks gives you access to a truly comprehensive array of markets.
Although offshore sportsbooks come with some risks, the platforms we recommend have been carefully vetted for safety, security, and reliability. Our team has used these sites for years, ensuring they provide fast payouts and fair treatment of customers. We only recommend trusted operators with established reputations, so you can place your bets confidently, enjoying the wider variety of markets without sacrificing safety.
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Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Massachusetts
Massachusetts made a significant move into the sports betting world by legalizing the activity in 2022, with the first bets officially placed in March 2023. The state allows both online and in-person wagering, giving bettors the flexibility to place bets through their mobile devices or visit licensed physical sportsbooks throughout the region. Massachusetts is rapidly developing a dynamic sports betting market, offering a wide variety of options across popular sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. With several major sportsbooks entering the scene, the state ensures a competitive environment for bettors. The regulatory framework in Massachusetts is designed to uphold security and fairness, guaranteeing a positive experience for all participants in the sports betting landscape.
| Name of Bookie | Launch Date | Online Betting Available? |
| DraftKings | March. 2023 | Yes |
| FanDuel | March. 2023 | Yes |
| BetMGM | March. 2023 | Yes |
| Caesars | March. 2023 | Yes |
| BetRivers | N/A | No |
| Fanatics | May 2023 | Yes |
| ESPN Bet | 2023 | Yes |
| WynnBet | N/A | No |
| Bally Bet | July 2024 | Yes |
Massachusetts Online Sportsbook Comparison
Everyone wants to know what the best Massachusetts sportsbook is, but the answer is always, it depends. It depends because bettors prefer different features. For this reason, weâve recommended several different Massachusetts apps based on these features. Here they are:
Best sportsbook for bonuses: Massachusetts bettors are in for a treat with BetMGMâs latest offer. New users get a risk-free bet, which means if your first wager doesnât go your way, theyâve got your back with a full refund â up to $1500. Thatâs a massive amount of cushion so if you have the money lying around, it makes sense to use it here. There is no downside and only upside with the first bet.
Best sportsbook for betting options: FanDuel takes the cake here because of its standout feature: an odds boost program. This feature upgrades standard bets, like shifting odds from -110 to +120, giving you the chance at a larger payout if your bet wins. A few other apps do this too, but not with the same consistency and fever as FanDuel.
Best sportsbook for live betting: Live betting hardly gets better than DraftKings. The app wins on speed and variety. First of all, the live lines update shockingly fast. Itâs impossible to be exactly on par with a real game (thereâs always a slight broadcast delay), but DraftKings doesnât trail far behind that natural delay. Two, in-play betting is available on a swath of sports and leagues at DraftKings. Almost every major sport has an in-play option.
Best sportsbook for rewards: Weâre picking BetMGM here as well. Weâre big fans of the BetMGM Rewards program because it offers more than the typical in-app benefits (e.g. free play). BetMGM has one of three three casinos in the state. Therefore, rewards can be used in person for hotel stays, dining experiences, or entertainment. In-app rewards exist too, but itâs nice to have this real-life option too.
Best sportsbook for user experience: Weâre going with Massachusetts. We said it earlier, but DraftKings is based out of Boston. They are the âhome teamâ like the Patriots or Celtics are. And just like those franchises, DraftKings has its fair share of success as itâs currently the second-most-used app. That wouldnât be the case if the user experience wasnât top-notch, which it most certainly is.
Massachusetts Quick Facts
| Fact | Masachusetts |
|---|---|
| Launch date: | 2023 |
| Legal age: | 21 Years Old |
| Online sports betting | â Yes |
| Number of licenses | 7 |
| Remote registration | â Yes |
| Retail sportsbooks | â Yes |
| Retail casinos | â Yes |
| Online casino sites | âNo |
| Online poker | âNo |
| Betting on college sports | â Yes |
| Betting on esports | â Yes |
| State population | 7 million |
| State regulator | The Virginia Lottery |
| Last verified | â September 8 |
What You Canât Bet On In Massachusetts?
There are a few things strictly disallowed in Massachusetts betting-wise. Hereâs what you wonât be allowed to throw money on at in-state sportsbooks:
Local college teams: In Massachusetts, you canât bet on local college teams unless theyâre playing in a tournament with three or more teams (betting them in March Madness would be allowed). Regular-season games for in-state colleges are not allowed, though you can still place bets on out-of-state teams without restrictions.
Online casino: While in-person casinos are perfectly legal, the state still prohibits online-based play. Youâll have to head to the local casinos if you want to play slots or table games.
Non-sports events: In this category are outcomes in politics, award shows, or even shows and movies (e.g. if a character gets killed off). These arenât considered sports, thus itâs not regulated under sports betting, which makes it off-limits.
If you're looking for non-sports betting options in Massachusetts, your only real choice is offshore sportsbooks. Unlike regulated US platforms, these sites offer a wider range of betting markets that aren't available under Massachusetts law.
Who Can Legally Bet In Massachusetts?
For the few donâts â most of the state has more doâs when it comes to betting. Here are the things perfectly on the table inside the state:
Legal age: Zero surprise here, you must be 21 years old to legally bet on sports in Massachusetts. This is the rule in every single state.
Mobile betting: Yes, Massachusetts allows betting to be had on mobile â no need to go to a physical sportsbook.
Retail sportsbooks: Even though online betting is more convenient, retail betting is still an option â and a fun one at that. Watching your bet live with other bettors is a social experience worth doing now and then.
Remote registration: Signing up to bet is a breeze â you can do it all from the comfort of your couch. No trips to a physical sportsbook are required. Just a few clicks, and you're ready to go!
Taxable winnings: Unfortunately, the IRS wants a piece of your winnings too. Under both Massachusetts and federal law, any gambling earnings must be reported as regular income. It's a drag, but when it comes to taxes, Uncle Sam always gets his cut (and so does "taxachusetts").
Massachusetts Casinos
Massachusetts is home to three casinos â each with a sportsbook. What's cool is these casinos are actually located near Boston, not in the absolute middle of nowhere. Here are the three options for in-state bettors:
Encore Boston Harbor: If you want luxury, this is the place to start. The resort is situated on the Mystic River, just outside of Boston. It's operated by Wynn Resorts and is known for its upscale environment, stunning views, and extensive amenities.
MGM Springfield: We told you BetMGM had a property, didn't we? This casino allows guests to place bets on various sports events AND cash in those rewards we mentioned. There's also the usual assortment of casino options here too.
Plainridge Park Casino: Park Casino is a smaller facility compared to Encore and MGM Springfield. Itâs a combination of a harness-racing track and a slot parlor, operated by Penn National Gaming.
Latest Massachusetts Betting News
Nov 14, 2024 05:40 AM
Massachusetts Sports Betting Companies Agree to Work with State on Gambling Limits
Latest Massachusetts Legal Betting Updates
Dec 17, 2024 08:53 AM
Massachusetts regulators consider implementing sports betting limits as the state's December handle increases, but revenue sees a decline.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline
A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Massachusetts Sports Betting
What took the state so long to legalize betting anyway? Well, let's recap the obstacles BEFORE things finally got past the goal line.
2021: Another Frustrated Attempt
Senator Eric Lesser introduced another sports betting bill in the Senate in 2021 (others had failed the years before). However, no amendments have been added, and it has not been introduced for a floor vote.
With nearby Rhode Island having opened up its sports betting market, it is likely that many tax revenue dollars are going to this neighboring state. With others like New Hampshire and New York also opening up, Massachusetts stands to continue to lose its tax dollars if it does not change course soon.
2022: A Bill Gets Through House
While the House of Representatives in the state has passed bills to legalize sports betting more than once, the Senate had yet to take it up. Finally, during the final hours of the 2022 session, the sports betting bill H5164 was approved by the Senate! A couple of days later, Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill into law. Touchdown, folks!
2023: Online Sports Betting Goes Live
MA Sports betting has officially been launched. There are currently 7 US bookies legally operating in Massachusetts. You can still access any of the offshore sportsbooks that are available online. Accessing these online sportsbooks is a great option, as the odds available are far better, and their bonuses are bigger.
How To Bet On Sports In Massachusetts?
As we said, the state, and Boston in particular, live and breathe sports. That means every sport you can think of will be bet-able in the state. Every single one! But still, these will be the most common sports to get action on stateside:
How To Bet On Football In Massachusetts?
After the run the Patriots just had for two decades, you better believe football betting dominates in Massachusetts. This is despite that era being long gone now thanks to a retirement and firing. During the football season, youâll see every sportsbook bring out their best to capitalize on the betting interest the sport brings. This especially becomes the case during the Super Bowl.
How To Bet On Basketball In Massachusetts?
Once again, Massachusetts is atop the basketball world with the Celtics' latest championship. We expect basketball betting to be in vogue for a while because that team is primed for a Patriots-like run. But donât forget college hoops either. Outside of the Super Bowl, March Madness will be the second biggest betting event of the calendar year in the state.
How To Bet On Baseball In Massachusetts?
Boston loves their baseball. Itâs perhaps the sport the city is most associated with thanks to Fenway Park. Not only that, but betting on it can be the most lucrative of all due to nonstop betting opportunities during the MLB season. If thereâs one sport to get good at with this betting thing, it almost has to be baseball.
How To Bet On Fighting In Massachusetts?
UFC, boxing, PFL, Bellator, Bareknuckle Fighting Championships â youâll find every single fight card they put on available at Massachusetts betting sites. Every single one! Most of these happen during the weekends so itâs a betting opportunity to look forward to every week.
Betting On Massachusetts Teams
Massachusetts bettors are going to naturally have more incentive to bet on their own home teams. If youâre watching them play, why not throw some money on it, right? Welp, hereâs exactly how:
Betting On Massachusetts NFL Team
The Patriots are finally entering the unknown. For the first time in a long time, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are gone. Robert Kraft remains the owner, but what use is he when he canât throw a football or call a play? Still, the Pats â rebuilding or not â are going to be a big betting draw. Expect every Massachusetts sportsbook to roll out the red carpet when the Patriots play.
Betting On Massachusetts NBA Team
The Celtics captured its NBA-record 18th championship in 2024. This makes the Câs the best team in not only basketball, but the city. Thatâs obviously going to lead to a lot of betting attention. With their young core of players, that attention is likely to persist into the near future too.
Betting On Massachusetts MLB Team
The Red Sox are still the most popular team in the city. Fenway Park remains one of the cityâs most iconic structures and its games are a lot more accessible to the blue-collar class of Boston folks. Anytime the Sox and Yankees play, itâs almost a must-bet game given the rivalry between the two historic teams.
Betting On Massachusetts NHL Team
Donât sleep on the Bruins. Theyâve been knocking on the door of a new Stanley Cup the last few seasons and hockey is quite popular in a cold state like Massachusetts. Betting on them comes easy across sportsbooks in the state too. Bookies will offer moneylines, over/unders, props, futures, and everything else under the sun for Bruins betting.
Massachusetts Betting Revenue Statistics
Betting in Massachusetts exceeded expectations after one full year. Exceeded might be an understatement â more like blew expectations out of the water. In its first full year, the state netted over $108 million in tax revenue from betting. Lawmakers said thatâs double what they originally anticipated.
During the first full year, Massachusetts bettors dropped $5.6 billion in bets â 97% of which came from online betting apps. Weâre in the middle of year two right now, but we anticipate those numbers going up even more now that betting is finely embedded into the local culture.
Other Types Of Betting In Massachusetts
Retail casino betting is fully available to Massachusetts bettors. There are three big casinos located in Everett, Plainfield, and Springfield. All three arenât all that far from Boston either so itâs not like some states with very remote casinos compared to the major city.
DFS betting is also allowed. Again, this makes sense given DraftKings presence in the state. Daily fantasy sports was DraftKings bread and butter before ever getting into sports betting.
The state has one horse-racing track, Plainridge Racecourse. When there, parimutuel wagering on horse racing is allowed. It's been legal since the Great Depression era.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
Want to place bets in states beyond Massachusetts? Hereâs your comprehensive guide to get you started. Just choose a state, and youâll receive a detailed breakdown of how to bet legally there:
Responsible Gaming In Massachusetts
Betting in Massachusetts should be an enjoyable experience, adding a new layer of joy to your favorite Boston sports. But letâs be real âsometimes things can take a wrong turn. What starts as fun can quickly become overwhelming, leading to stress or even financial strain.
The key is knowing where to draw the line. Betting should never feel like a constant pursuit to "win it back." If youâre finding yourself chasing losses, wagering beyond your means, or feeling uneasy about your habits, itâs important to recognize these as warning signs that things are going off the rails.
Taking a step back can be one of the smartest moves. Sometimes, all it takes is a breather to reset and regain control. But if walking away feels impossible, it might be time to explore deeper solutions. Massachusetts offers a variety of resources to help you stay in control when gambling becomes more than just a game. Here are local resources:
Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (https://macgh.org/)
A statewide non-profit offering support, education, and resources to help individuals with gambling problems. They also operate a 24/7 helpline for confidential assistance.
Gambling Helpline Massachusetts (https://helplinema.org/)
A confidential helpline available 24/7 to provide support and connect callers with local resources for problem gambling, including counseling and recovery services. Call or text 1-800-327-5050.
Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-problem-gambling-services)
This office provides research and data on the situation of problem gambling in the state, as well as offering resources to anyone struggling.
National resources to use:
Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
