Massachusetts Sports Betting in 2023
Legal Massachusetts sports betting is here — retail MA sportsbooks opened at 10:00 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 2023. Online operators expect to launch in early March.
Bay Staters will soon be able to claim the best Massachusetts sportsbook promo codes and bonuses from up to 15 MA sports betting sites. Keep reading to learn about the legal wagering market and upcoming online launch in MA.
- Legal sports betting launch: Jan. 31, 2023
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 11 online sportsbooks coming soon
- Exclusive sign-up offers to follow
Quick facts: Massachusetts sports betting
Excitement abounds with the arrival of Mass. sports betting. Keep an eye on the table below for MA sports betting facts and updates on the looming launch for online operators.
| Retail launch date | Jan. 31, 2023 |
| Online launch date | March 2023 (est.) |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Coming ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 15 |
| Number of betting sites | 11 |
| Remote registration | Coming ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Online horse racing | Yes ✅ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| Total handle (2022) | N/A |
| Tax rate | 20% (online revenue); 15% (retail revenue) |
| State regulator | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
Massachusetts sports betting updates
As expected, former Gov. Charlie Baker, a staunch advocate for Massachusetts sports betting, put pen to paper nine days after the state's sports wagering bill was passed. While an online launch date has not been announced, legal retail wagering went live on Jan. 31, 2023, in MA.
Let's take a closer look at key dates in Mass. sports betting history:
Feb. 2, 2023: MGC Executive Director Karen Wells says Massachusetts' retail sports betting launch was successful, and attention has now turned to the state's upcoming online sports wagering launch in March.
Feb. 1, 2023: Genius Sports is awarded a temporary sports betting vendor license in MA. The company will provide its sports wagering product to legal Massachusetts sportsbook operators.
Jan. 31, 2023: Legal retail sports betting officially launches in Massachusetts, with the state’s three casinos — Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino — now actively taking bets.
Jan. 25, 2023: bet365 withdraws its bid for a Massachusetts sports betting license.
Jan. 24, 2023: In an email to Covers, a Raynham Park spokesperson says bet365 is no longer its mobile partner. Raynham Park will partner with another online operator in MA.
Jan. 23, 2023: Raynham Park partners with Caesars Entertainment for retail MA sports betting. Pending regulatory approval, Caesars Sportsbook will open a 30,000-square-foot retail location.
Jan. 20, 2023: Massachusetts sports betting will go live at 10:00 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 2023. MA's first retail sportsbooks will launch at this time.
Jan. 19, 2023: The MGC approves six operators for temporary untethered Category 3 online sports betting licenses: Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet.
Jan. 17, 2023: The MGC advances PointsBet's MA sports betting application, signaling its likelihood to secure an untethered license.
Jan. 13, 2023: Expectations have been met for Betway to receive a mobile sports betting license in Massachusetts. However, the MGC still requires additional information about the company's owner — Super Group Ltd. — after a recent acquisition of Digital Gaming Corp. and subsequent restructuring.
Jan. 12, 2023: The MGC approves Fanatics' online MA sports betting application. Fanatics Sportsbook will partner with Plainridge Park to offer online wagering in Massachusetts.
Jan. 11, 2023: DraftKings meets the MGC's criteria for an online sports betting license in Massachusetts.
Jan. 10, 2023: Jake Paul's Betr Sportsbook clears a significant hurdle in its efforts to secure a Massachusetts license. The microbetting-focused platform joins Bally Bet and FanDuel as operators that have met the expectations for standalone mobile licenses.
Jan. 9, 2023: FanDuel satisfies MGC's eligibility criteria and will likely receive an untethered Massachusetts sports betting license.
Jan. 6, 2023: The MGC begins reviewing untethered mobile MA sports betting license applications. Bally Bet is likely to receive an untethered license.
Jan. 5, 2023: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission adjourns Fanatics' sports betting license application hearing without a vote.
Jan. 4, 2023: Barstool Sportsbook is unanimously approved for an online tethered sports betting license in Massachusetts.
Jan. 3, 2023: The MGC ends its hearing on Barstool Sportsbook's tethered MA sports betting license application without a vote.
Dec. 22, 2022: The MGC meets to confirm that the launch of retail sports betting in Massachusetts will start on Jan. 31, 2023.
Dec. 20, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) approves Caesars Sportsbook's application for a mobile wagering license, making it the third operator to receive a go-ahead nod for its online MA sports betting product. Regulators also give approval to PENN's Plainridge Park Casino, but opt to hold off on a review of Barstool Sportsbook's digital platform until January.
Dec. 19, 2022: Digital and retail sports betting applications are approved for BetMGM and MGM Springfield. MGM joins Encore Boston Harbor as a licensed retail sportsbook that could launch in January or February 2023, while BetMGM joins WynnBET on the digital front, aiming for an early March 2023 go-live date.
Dec. 16, 2022: Rep. David Muradian tells Covers that it will take time to ascertain whether the current Massachusetts sports betting model requires tweaks.
Dec. 15, 2022: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is named the next president of the NCAA. Baker will take over in March 2023, presumably before the arrival of legal online MA sports betting.
Dec. 14, 2022: The MGC wraps up a seven-hour session without voting on Caesars Sportsbook's Massachusetts online sports betting application.
Dec. 13, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves WynnBET's application for a "Category 3" MA sports betting license. WynnBET's online sportsbook will be tethered to Encore Boston Harbor.
Dec. 8, 2022: The first Massachusetts sports betting license is awarded to Encore Boston Harbor. The casino's "Category 1" retail sports betting license will allow it to feature a WynnBET sportsbook for in-person betting and partner with two mobile operators for online wagering (WynnBET and Caesars Sportsbook).
Dec. 7, 2022: Massachusetts regulators defer a decision on the MGM Springfield casino's legal sports betting license application.
Dec. 6, 2022: Massachusetts Gaming Commissioners defer a vote on Plainridge Park's sports betting license application to next week after voicing concerns over responsible gambling, advertising, and the casino's partnership with Barstool Sports.
Dec. 5, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission plans to meet on Dec. 6, Dec. 7, and Dec. 8 to examine MA sports betting license applications from Plainridge Park, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor.
Nov. 29, 2022: The MGC approves MGM Springfield's late application for retail sports betting in Massachusetts by a vote of 5-0. MGM Springfield had filed its online sports betting paperwork for BetMGM and $400,000 in fees ($200,000 for each application) by the Nov. 21 deadline, but its retail application made its way to the MGC on Nov. 23.
Nov. 25, 2022: The Boston Bruins improve to 18-3 after edging the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 3-2.
Nov. 21, 2022: The MGC announces that 15 Massachusetts sports betting operator applications were filed (12 online and three retail) before the 2 p.m. deadline.
Nov. 18, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook gains Massachusetts online sports betting access by reaching an agreement with Wynn Resorts. Wynn's Encore Boston Harbor will allocate its second of two online skins to Caesars.
Nov. 14, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a virtual roundtable with representatives from the American Gaming Association, MLB, NESN, and others to discuss Massachusetts sports betting advertising regulations.
Nov. 10, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission sets a Nov. 21, 2022, deadline for all MA sports betting license applications.
Nov. 9, 2022: The rollout of legal sports betting at Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs, two MA simulcasting facilities, will be up for discussion on Thursday, Nov. 10, according to a meeting agenda from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Oct. 27, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission dismisses a request from DraftKings to host a universal launch date for sports betting. DraftKings claims a staggered launch will cause confusion, among other issues.
Oct. 20, 2022: Competition for Massachusetts sports betting licenses continues, with more than 20 operators eyeing online sports betting skins.
Oct. 13, 2022: The Massachusetts sports betting survey — extended to businesses that intend to apply for retail and online sports betting licenses — is due on Monday, Oct. 17.
Oct. 8, 2022: In what amounts to a significant disappointment for sports bettors and sportsbooks, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved a timeline to push back the launch of online MA sports betting until March 2023.
Oct. 6, 2022: Massachusetts sports betting regulators consider an "aggressive" and rough timeline that would see retail sportsbooks launch in January 2023 and MA betting sites go live in late February 2023.
Oct. 5, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will meet tomorrow to discuss potential MA sports betting launch dates. Retail sportsbooks could open their doors before online betting sites go live in MA.
Sept. 22, 2022: The majority of a group of 20+ operators tell the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) that they prefer a universal start date for the launch of legal sports betting.
Sept. 16, 2022: Provisions in MA's sports betting legislation add an additional wrinkle to a potential go-live date. With no cap on the number of temporary permits, and only 15 permanent licenses available, several online sportsbooks could be required to close up shop after just one year in Massachusetts.
Sept. 13, 2022: As responsible gaming advocates push concerns such as the marketing of betting to young people, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a virtual roundtable discussion with industry experts to thoroughly look into responsible gambling measures.
Sept. 9, 2022: The Massachusetts sports betting rollout remains unclear. According to Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Brad Hall, the state's first retail and online sportsbooks won't open in the coming weeks, with the formal launch likely in 2023 at the earliest.
Sept. 6, 2022: FanDuel and Caesars file notices of intent, meaning 42 applicants are vying for the 15 initial Massachusetts sports betting licenses up for grabs.
Aug. 11, 2022: Massachusetts regulators expect over 40 sports wagering operators to apply for online sportsbook licenses in the state. There are 15 total licenses available, three of which are already sure to go to Barstool, BetMGM, and WynnBET.
Aug. 10, 2022: Gov. Charlie Baker signs H.5164 into law. Online and retail sports betting are officially coming to Massachusetts.
Aug. 9, 2022: Wynn reaffirms its plans to push its WynnBET online sportsbook live as soon as legal Massachusetts sports betting launches.
Aug. 8, 2022: All eyes are on Gov. Charlie Baker. Baker is expected to sign Massachusetts sports betting into law by Thursday's deadline.
Aug. 4, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission estimates the state will launch legal online MA sports betting in three to six months.
Aug. 1, 2022: At approximately 5 a.m. ET, the Sports Betting Conference Committee announces an agreement has been reached to bring legal sports betting to Massachusetts.
July 21, 2022: House Speaker Ron Mariano says House and Senate negotiators are "far apart" with just 10 days to go. College sports betting appears to be a deal breaker, with the House insisting on its inclusion in any Massachusetts sports betting legislation.
July 17, 2022: Senate President Karen Spilka states that she's 'hopeful' a compromise on sports betting legislation will come prior to the July 31 deadline. Spilka also vows that her chamber would take a roll call vote on the active bill.
June 22, 2022: With the July 31 deadline just over five weeks away, negotiations are ongoing in Massachusetts. College sports betting, tax rates on revenue, and the number of MA sports wagering operator licenses issued remain sticking points.
June 9, 2022: A House-Senate conference committee meets for the first time to begin negotiations on legal sports betting in Massachusetts.
June 3, 2022: With the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Gov. Charlie Baker laments that sports betting revenue is seeping over state lines. He uses the example to once again publicly push for the legalization of the practice in the state.
May 10, 2022: WynnBET sees Massachusetts sports betting as a ‘significant catalyst’ for growth. The casino and hotel operator reports the adjusted loss for Wynn’s interactive division, which houses WynnBET.
April 28, 2022: The House and Senate must reconcile their differences on revised Massachusetts sports betting legislation before Governor Charlie Baker, a proponent of legalizing sports betting, can sign the bill into law.
April 25, 2022: The Massachusetts Senate is on track to debate new legal MA sports betting legislation on Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Feb. 18, 2022: Boston-based DraftKings identifies Massachusetts as a possible landing spot for its mobile sportsbook during its Q4 earnings call.
Jan. 24, 2022: Gov. Charlie Baker reiterates his willingness to sign off on a bill to legalize sports betting should the House and Senate pass a measure before the legislative session comes to a close.
Nov. 18, 2021: DraftKings and the Boston Bruins announce a multi-faceted partnership whereby the Boston-based sports betting operator will become the club's official daily fantasy sports partner and eventual sports betting partner should Massachusetts legalize it.
October 2021: Sen. Eric Lesser relays that the Senate has not yet come to a consensus on the topic of sports betting, despite declaring three months prior that his chamber was prepared to approve legislation that would legalize the practice. His version of the bill (S 269) remains under active consideration by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
July 2021: The Massachusetts House approves a bill (HB 3993) via an overwhelming 156-3 vote that would legalize sports betting in Massachusetts.
April 2021: The state’s House Ways and Means Committee excludes sports betting revenues from its forthcoming budget draft, adding yet another roadblock to the practice’s legalization.
February 2021: Heading into the 2021 legislative session, Governor Charlie Baker files and introduces a bill (for the third time) that would legalize sports betting in the state of Massachusetts.
January 2021: Legislators introduce five major sports betting bills, three by the House and two by the Senate.
November 2020: Lawmakers do not include a legalization provision in their 2021 budget, effectively ending any hopes for the arrival of sports betting in Massachusetts in 2020.
July 2020: The state Senate opts not to include Massachusetts sports betting as part of its economic development plan, as it feels attaching the two bills isn’t the proper way to introduce the practice.
May 2018: The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling each U.S. state to formally legalize and regulate sports betting.
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, legal sports betting is now available at Massachusetts’ three physical casinos. The Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act (H.5164) was signed into law by then-Gov. Charlie Baker on Aug. 10, 2022, after passing through the Sports Betting Conference Committee by a vote of 151-2 on Aug. 1, 2022. With Gov. Baker's signature, online Massachusetts sports betting is also set to become a reality — but not until early March 2023.
MA sports bettors now have the green light to wager on professional and college sports at a retail sportsbook, with online apps soon to follow. Betting on in-state college teams is not permitted, except for during major events like March Madness.
Top five Massachusetts betting sites
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has now approved 11 mobile sports betting operators. We expect the following sportsbooks to impress when online wagering arrives in March 2023. Here are our top five Massachusetts sports betting sites:
1. DraftKings MA
Best app
DraftKings sits atop our list of the best Massachusetts sports betting apps. MA gamblers will soon benefit from the sportsbook's streamlined interface, huge selection of betting markets, exciting daily promos — you won't need a DraftKings Massachusetts promo code, either — and quick payouts. The DraftKings MA sportsbook app will soon be a must for Bay State bettors.
Read our DraftKings Review to learn more.
2. FanDuel MA
Competitive odds
FanDuel boasts an equally impressive sports betting app and will be another no-brainer download in Massachusetts this March. Region-specific bonuses and promos without the need of a FanDuel Massachusetts promo code, live streaming, and same-game parlays will keep you in the game heading into spring 2023.
Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more information.
- App store rating: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Coming soon
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
3. Caesars Sportsbook MA
Largest bonus
Caesars Sportsbook's large welcome bonus, best-in-class customer support, and revered Caesars Rewards program will be an excellent addition to a competitive Massachusetts online sports betting market. Local bettors will enjoy the sportsbook's clean and snappy user interface.
Dive into our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on the Caesars betting platform.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Coming soon
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
4. BetMGM MA
Best for banking
The "King of Sportsbooks" will look to take the throne when it launches in Massachusetts later this year. With great odds and an improved betting app, BetMGM MA caters to customers with a variety of supported deposit and withdrawal methods.
Get the full details on BetMGM Massachusetts in our BetMGM Review.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Coming soon
- Payout speed: 2-8 days
5. PointsBet MA
Unique bet types
The PointsBet app is loaded with unique features. Massachusetts bettors will enjoy boosted parlays, live same-game parlays, and the proprietary Points Betting system, to name a few. With endless markets, you're almost guaranteed to find what you're looking for when betting with PointsBet.
Refer to our PointsBet Review for more expert analysis.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Coming soon
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
What sportsbooks are legal in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts sports betting apps are projected to launch in March 2023. Up to 15 online sports wagering operator licenses are available, and 11 have been awarded.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has officially approved the following online operators:
- DraftKings - Great live betting
- FanDuel - Competitive odds
- Caesars - Best welcome bonus
- BetMGM - Best for banking
- PointsBet - Unique bet types
- Barstool - Lots of markets
- Betway - Stylish platform
- WynnBET - User-friendly
- Bally Bet - Premium interface
- Betr - Best for microbetting
- Fanatics - Coming 2023
Expected Massachusetts sportsbooks
With legal online Massachusetts sports betting on the horizon, bettors can look forward to over a dozen sportsbooks and apps being available in the Bay State. Fifteen (15) licenses are up for grabs, including seven standalone mobile licenses.
Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino all have retail licenses and now offer in-person sports betting with legal MA sportsbooks. These three casinos have been granted two online skins each. These skins have all been spoken for, as MGM does not plan to partner with a second online sports wagering operator.
Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs will also feature one retail sportsbook and be permitted to partner with one online operator. Raynham Park has already partnered with Caesars for retail betting.
Massachusetts sports betting sites
|
Online sportsbook |
Application status |
Retail partner |
Retail sportsbook |
Odds provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Approved |
N/A |
N/A |
Bet.Works |
|
|
Approved |
Plainridge Park Casino |
Barstool Sportsbook |
Kambi |
|
|
Approved |
MGM Springfield |
BetMGM Sportsbook |
BetMGM |
|
|
Approved |
N/A |
N/A |
Simplebet |
|
|
Approved |
N/A |
N/A |
Betway |
|
|
Approved |
Encore Boston Harbor |
Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park |
Caesars |
|
|
Approved |
N/A |
N/A |
SBTech |
|
|
Approved |
Plainridge Park Casino |
TBD |
Amelco |
|
|
Approved |
N/A |
N/A |
Flutter |
|
|
Approved |
N/A |
N/A |
Kambi |
|
|
Approved |
Encore Boston Harbor |
WynnBET Sportsbook |
GAN |
Land-based Massachusetts sportsbooks
|
Sportsbook |
Venue |
Address |
Launch date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barstool Sportsbook |
Plainridge Park Casino |
301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762 | Jan. 31, 2023 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | MGM Springfield | 1 MGM Wy, Springfield, MA 01103 | Jan. 31, 2023 |
| WynnBET Sportsbook | Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 | Jan. 31, 2023 |
Latest MA betting news
Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2023
Four neighboring states in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York, all offer legalized online and retail sports betting markets.
New York's nine online sportsbooks offer MA bettors the most variety and the opportunity to claim multiple welcome bonuses when traveling to the Empire State.
Who can bet on sports in Massachusetts?
Currently, legal sports wagering is limited to retail locales only in the Bay State. Individuals 21 years of age or older are permitted to participate in MA sports betting.
Legal age
Although some states allow players 18 and up to wager on sports, Massachusetts does not. MA sportsbooks will only accept wagers from those 21 and older.
Mobile betting
Only retail sports betting is permitted in Massachusetts; thus, no legal mobile sports betting apps are available. However, online sports betting will soon be available via up to 15 Massachusetts sports betting sites. Seven untethered mobile sports betting licenses are up for grabs, while eight operators can partner with land-based casinos and MA off-track betting sites.
Remote registration
Sports bettors will be able to create sports betting accounts from anywhere in Massachusetts when legal online betting goes live.
Within state borders
When Massachusetts launches legal online sports betting, any wager made must be done so within its borders. Of course, those conditions also apply to in-person betting, but all online wagers must be verified in-state, too.
Retail sportsbooks
On Jan. 31, 2023, Massachusetts’ three casinos — Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park — opened their doors to MA sports bettors. Two pari-mutuel simulcast facilities — Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs — will also be home to retail sportsbooks in the future.
Taxable winnings
Massachusetts gamblers will be taxed on sports bet winnings the same way they are on other gambling income. This means a 24% federal tax and 5% state tax.
The pros and cons of MA sports betting
The Massachusetts sports betting market is shaping up to be a competitive one. Several big names should arrive in the coming months, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars.
With the inclusion of college sports betting, residents will have the chance to bet on hometown favorites during major events. However, year-round wagers on MA college squads will not be permitted.
No go-live date for online sports betting in MassachusettsIn-state college betting only for major eventsHow to start betting in Massachusetts
In-person sports betting is available in Massachusetts, with online options on the way. Here's how you'll be able to get started on a mobile device:
Select a sportsbook
Choosing a Massachusetts sportsbook will involve reading betting site reviews from reputable sources. Those recommendations apply to the best bonuses, betting lines, and available bet types. We also advise new players, in particular, to read the fine print once online sports betting becomes available in Massachusetts.
Register in person or online
Massachusetts has adopted mobile betting, so you will have to share contact information and personal details, including your phone number and address, before getting started online with a sportsbook app in MA.
Claim a bonus
Today's mobile sports wagering platforms serve up generous bonuses, specifically welcome or sign-up promotions. The most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses include risk-free bets, deposit match bonuses, and no-deposit bonuses. Be sure to read the terms associated with each offer before moving forward.
Deposit funds
Funding your sportsbook account is required before placing a wager. Massachusetts sportsbooks will allow players to fund accounts in a variety of ways. ACH transfers and digital payment types like PayPal are sure to be supported. Notably, however, credit card deposits will not be allowed.
Choose your bet types
When legal online MA sports betting touches down in the Bay State, sports bettors should have access to all common bet types. You're likely to have these types: moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, parlays, teasers, futures, live bets, and more.
Start betting
Not all Massachusetts betting sites will be created equal, particularly concerning available betting lines. Some are less favorable than others; thus, shopping for the best price is critical. Conducting research allows you to nab the best lines and claim better bonuses.
Withdraw funds
Wins are tremendous and only matched by the speed at which you can secure your winnings. On a related note, you may incur fees on transactions with the sportsbook or based on your preferred withdrawal method. Review the applicable terms and conditions to guide your decision-making.
Reading the odds
American betting odds are the default selection found at U.S. sportsbooks, and Massachusetts has adopted that format, too.
Spot the favorite in any matchup by identifying the minus sign (-); the number immediately following the value displays the sum of money you need to bet to win $100. Here in this example, -170 odds mean you need to risk $170 to win $100.
The underdogs are identified by the plus sign (+) and highlight the monetary amount you would win if you wagered $100. In this scenario, +110 odds means that a $100 bet would return $110 in profit.
Input your selections to our odds converter to see potential payouts. Plus, you can toggle between American, fractional, and decimal odds.
What you can't bet on in Massachusetts
Bay Staters have access to locally regulated sportsbooks via the state's three casinos. Now that legal sports betting has arrived, wagering on professional and college (with some exceptions) sports is in play.
However, some events are out of bounds in MA. On Jan. 24, 2023, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved a list of allowable wagers and leagues. Among those not making the cut were esports, cornhole, chess, Jai alai, the Winter and Summer Olympics, and sporting events overseen by Belorussian or Russian governing bodies.
NFL draft
With legal MA sports wagering live, bettors can lock in futures bets on the NFL Draft.
Awards ceremonies
Wagers on popular celebrity awards shows, such as the Academy Awards, are accepted in MA.
Politics
Betting on political outcomes, like presidential elections, is not permitted at the state or federal level. Mass. sports betting sites and retail locales will follow suit here.
esports
Despite connections to esports embedded in some of the state's major sports franchises — such as Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs’ company, Delaware North, a partner of Splyce — regulators opted against allowing wagering on all virtual and esports events.
Massachusetts college sports betting
College sports were a point of major contention between the House and Senate when it came to the legalization of wagering on sports. The good news is that MA bettors can now wager on college sports at retail venues. The not-so-great news? Bets on in-state college teams are only permitted during major events, like March Madness.
Home team advantage: MA sports
Eliminate any hometown bias by conducting relevant research on prospective bets. This is a great way to manage your bankroll and will help you to avoid blindly backing any team or player.
Review our how to bet guides for actionable intel aimed at new and intermediate bettors before confirming your picks with legal Massachusetts sportsbooks.
Other types of gambling
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates commercial operations in the state. In addition to sports betting, there are a few other forms of legal gambling in Massachusetts, including charitable gaming and the Massachusetts Lottery.
Casino
Massachusetts contains five casinos: Two operated by Native American tribes, two commercial resorts, and one slot parlor. Now, wagering on sports at three of these Massachusetts venues — Encore Boston Harobor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park — is allowed.
Poker
Poker players can find a multitude of poker rooms in Massachusetts’ major cities, such as Boston. Online poker is illegal in MA.
Horse and dog racing
There is only one presently active racetrack in the Bay State: Plainridge Racecourse. There, legal pari-mutuel betting is allowed on horse racing. Simulcast wagering for both horse races and dog races is also available at two former racetracks: Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park. Since 1934, betting on horse and dog racing has been legal in Massachusetts.
Daily fantasy sports
In 2016, then-Governor Charlie Baker temporarily legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS) as part of a larger economic development bill while details like taxes and regulations got hashed out. Two years later, in 2018, a new bill was passed to make daily fantasy sports permanently legal in the state. Massachusetts sports fans can get their fill of DFS via industry heavyweights DraftKings, FanDuel, or the Monkey Knife Fight app.
Responsible gaming in Massachusetts
To this point, there has been limited access to gambling within Massachusetts. Even so, there are many Bay Staters who succumb to gambling addiction. The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health provides educational opportunities and support to raise awareness of problem gambling.
Individuals wishing to ban themselves from Massachusetts sports betting can join a voluntary self-exclusion list online, via phone, or at a casino.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
With legal Massachusetts sports betting now available at retail locations, the state joins the ranks of these already legalized U.S. jurisdictions:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
Legal Massachusetts sports betting is here, but online wagering won't arrive until March 2023. Two other states went live with legal betting options prior to the Bay State's Jan. 31 launch.
Maryland has provided legal betting options for nearly a year — but these have been limited to retail sportsbooks only. On Nov. 23, 2022, Maryland online sports betting officially arrived.
Ohio sports betting sites and retail locations began accepting legal wagers on Jan. 1, 2023.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
There are several states moving toward legal sports betting that could potentially join Massachusetts in the near future:
Sportsbooks to avoid in Massachusetts
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Exercise caution and patience concerning legal sports betting. Massachusetts gamblers should refrain from registering with unregulated offshore sportsbooks due to their unlawful business practices.
Funding an illegal offshore sports betting site is playing with fire, as your funds and personal information are at risk. Please avoid these sportsbooks at all costs and save your bankroll for legal Massachusetts sports betting sites.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Massachusetts sports betting FAQ
Yes. Former Gov. Charlie Baker signed the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act into law on Aug. 10, 2022. Legal Massachusetts sports betting (retail) launched at 10:00 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 2023.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversees all sports betting activity — online and in person — in Massachusetts.
Sports betting is now legal in Massachusetts. Retail wagering launched at 10:00 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 2023, while online sportsbooks are projected to go live in early March 2023.
No. Legal Massachusetts online sports betting will arrive in early March 2023.
You must be at least 21 years of age to take part in legal Massachusetts sports gambling.
Yes. With legal MA sports betting live, you can bet on college sports. However, in-state college betting (wagering on Massachusetts teams) is only available during major events like March Madness.
You can legally bet on sports in Massachusetts at one of the state's three casinos. On Jan. 31, 2023, retail sportsbooks opened at Encore Boston Harbor (WynnBET Sportsbook), MGM Springfield (BetMGM Sportsbook), and Plainridge Park Casino (Barstool Sportsbook).
No. bet365 withdrew its Massachusetts sports betting license application after its partnership with Raynham Park fell through in January 2023.
No — but you will be able to soon. Mobile sports betting via legal Massachusetts betting sites and apps will become a reality early in 2023.
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Joshua Howe is a sports betting editor at Covers, helping make smarter sports bettors since 2021. The experienced writer and editor has reviewed over 20 sportsbooks and has been placing his own wagers for three years and counting. He prefers FanDuel for its sleek app design and variety of NBA markets.
