Sports betting is now legal and available in Massachusetts.
Both retail and online sports wagering are permitted in the state. Retail sports betting began on Jan. 31, 2023, while mobile sports betting started on March 10, with six online sports betting apps becoming available. The sports betting bill was passed during the 2022 session and signed by Gov. Charlie Baker on Aug. 10, 2022. Seven online sportsbooks are accessible in the state, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBet, Barstool, betr, Caesars, and BetMGM. These sportsbooks have been receiving bets since their launch on March 10. To bet online in Massachusetts, you must be 21 or older.
However, you can still opt to make online wagers through offshore sports betting sites, that offer better odds, and more competitive bonuses — these include popular bookies such as Bovada or BetOnline.
Betting Laws in Massachusetts
Almost seven million people live in the Bay State. Boston, which is the state’s capital, is also the largest city, with nearly 700,000 residents.
Gambling, whether it's horse racing at Suffolk Downs or the slots at MGM Springfield casino, is regulated at the state level.
All legalized gambling within Massachusetts is limited to the following areas:
- • Online sportsbooks
- • Commerical casinos
- • Tribal casinos
- • Poker
- • Daily fantasy
- • Online gambling
- • Horse racing
- • Lottery
- • Social gambling
- • Charitable gambling
Adults the age of 18 and over are allowed to bet on bingo, pari-mutuel wagering, and the state lottery. A gambler must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports, play poker, or gamble at a casino.
Massachusetts casinos
Massachusetts has a total of three casinos: two casino resorts and a third slots-only racino. These are spread out across three cities throughout the state: Springfield, Plainville, and Everett. The city with the most is Plainville with two casinos.
MGM Springfield is considered the first of its kind in the state. It includes a hotel, restaurants, entertainment and upscale retail shops.
Daily fantasy sports
The state governor signed a bill into law in 2016 legalizing daily fantasy sports betting. In 2019, this law became permanent.
Here is the list of regulations for players in Massachusetts:
- • Players must be over 21 years of age.
- • No college games and other amateur sporting events.
- • Truth in advertising standards apply.
- • $1,000 monthly deposit limit.
- • Entries limited to the lesser of 150 or three per cent.
Horse racing
Plainridge Park, the only harness racing track in Massachusetts, is situated in Plainville, close to the iconic Gilette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Since its establishment in 1999, Plainridge Park has flourished, benefiting from the state's expanded gaming options and even offering slot machines on the premises. Live racing action at Plainridge Park takes place from April to November each year.
State lottery
The Massachusetts Lottery was established in 1971 following the legalization of gambling by the state's General Court.
The state's lottery is unusual in that it withholds five per cent on prizes over $600, instead of only over $5,000. The federal withholding on prizes of at least $5,000 is 25 per cent.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Laws
The landscape of sports betting in Massachusetts underwent a significant transformation with the passage of H5164, commonly referred to as the "Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act."
This bill introduced several provisions that shaped the state's new framework for sports betting. Key highlights include a 20% tax rate for online sports betting and a slightly lower 15% tax rate for retail operations. While in-state college teams are generally excluded from wagering, an exception is made for tournaments.
Sports betting licenses are granted to both casinos and racetracks, with a total of 15 online licenses available. Among these, seven licenses are allocated through competitive bids, while the remaining eight are tied to partnerships with land-based establishments. Although there is no advertising ban, deposits through credit cards for funding betting accounts are prohibited.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
Massachusetts’ Major Sports Teams
New England Patriots (NFL)
The New England Patriots, established in 1959, have appeared in the Super Bowl 10 times in franchise history, the most of any team, eight of them since the arrival of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady in 2000. They have won 20 division titles and five league championships.
Boston Celtics (NBA)
Founded in 1946 as one of the original eight NBA teams to survive the league's first decade, the Boston Celtics have won the most championships in NBA history with 17, accounting for 23.9 per cent of all NBA championships since the league started.
Boston Red Sox (MLB)
Founded in 1901, the Boston Red Sox have won nine World Series championships, most recently in 2018, and they have played in 13.
They went into one of the longest championship droughts in baseball history, dubbed the "Curse of the Bambino" after its alleged inception due to the sale of Babe Ruth to the rival New York Yankees two years after their world championship in 1918, an 86-year wait before the team's sixth world championship in 2004.
Boston Bruins (NHL)
The Boston Bruins, who have been in existence since 1924 as one of the Original Six franchises, are the league's third-oldest team overall and the oldest in the U.S. The Bruins have won six Stanley Cup championships, tied for fourth most all-time.