Legal Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Sports betting in Massachusetts is legal and operational both online and at retail locations. Retail sports betting launched on January 31, 2023, followed by online betting on March 10, 2023. Governor Charlie Baker signed the legislation into law on August 10, 2022.
What is Legal Sports Betting in Massachusetts?
Legal sports betting in Massachusetts includes in-person betting at designated casinos and online betting through licensed sportsbooks, allowing bettors to place bets anywhere within the state.
Sportsbooks Available in Massachusetts
As of July 2024, Massachusetts has seven approved sportsbooks:
- Bally Bet Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
Betway was initially approved but exited the market without launching, and BetRivers, present in many states, hasn't secured a Massachusetts license.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
- 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down PASPA allows states to legalize sports betting.
- June 2021: Massachusetts lawmakers begin serious discussions on sports betting legislation.
- December 2021: The Massachusetts House passes a sports betting bill.
- April 2022: The Massachusetts Senate approves the sports betting bill.
- August 2022: The Governor signs the bill into law, officially legalizing sports betting in Massachusetts.
- November 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission starts issuing licenses to sportsbooks.
Sportsbooks Available in Massachusetts
- Availability across most of US legal states
- Competitive odds & diverse markets
- Attentive customer service
- Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
- App speeds vary for some users
- Geo locate sometimes unreliable
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting
- Efficient & secure payments
- Strong security measures
- Mobile app connectivity issues
- Maximum bets on odds boosts are low.
- Promotional restrictions
- Extensive Market Reach.
- Unmatched Fan Engagement.
- Live betting.
- Digital media bohemeth.
- Limited live streaming.
- Connectivity issues on betting apps.
- One of the biggest welcome bonuses.
- Secure payments.
- Efficient customer service
- Some users have described slow loading times
- Limited live streaming options
- Some bonus wagering requirements are unclear
- Excellent league coverage
- Popular FanCash Program
- Wide availability across the US
- Mobile app glitches and connectivity issues
- No desktop sportsbook option
Best Massachusetts Sportsbooks
Massachusetts sports betting is legal and live. Seven online sportsbooks are available in the state, and thousands of users have left their reviews on these sportsbooks:
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings, headquartered in Boston, is one of the most popular sportsbooks in Massachusetts. It offers a wide range of betting options, competitive odds, and prompt customer service.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is another major player in the Massachusetts sports betting market. Known for its easy-to-use platform and extensive sports coverage, FanDuel provides bettors with numerous betting options and live betting features. Their customer service is fast, ensuring a helpful betting experience.
ESPN Bet
ESPN Bet leverages the sports network's extensive reach and expertise, offering a comprehensive betting platform with unique features such as integrated sports news and analysis.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars brings its well-known brand to Massachusetts, offering a robust sportsbook with numerous promotions, competitive odds, and a user-friendly mobile app.
BetMGM
BetMGM offers a comprehensive sportsbook with a variety of sports and betting types. It is known for its sports coverage, competitive odds, and rewards program. BetMGM also offers a unique feature called "Edit My Bet," which allows users to modify their bets even after placing them.
Bally Bet
Bally Bet provides a solid betting platform with a focus on customer experience. Their sportsbook offers a range of betting options and promotions.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook is emerging as a strong contender in the Massachusetts market, known for its sports merchandise background and integrating unique features into its betting platform.
Active Bonuses
FanDuel Players Club Rewards Program
Online Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Online sports betting is thriving in Massachusetts, with several platforms providing online and mobile betting experiences. Bettors can enjoy the convenience of placing bets from their homes or on the go using mobile apps. These platforms offer a wide range of betting options, from major sports leagues to niche markets.
How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Massachusetts?
- Choose a Licensed Sportsbook: Ensure the platform is authorized to operate in Massachusetts.
- Create an Account: Provide personal information to verify your identity. This typically includes your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Deposit Funds: Use available banking options such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets to fund your account.
- Place Bets: Browse sports and betting options, then place your wagers.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers a wide array of sports for betting, providing options for all types of sports enthusiasts:
NFL
Massachusetts bettors can place wagers on all NFL games, including the regular season, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots are a major draw for local bettors.
NBA
The Boston Celtics are a favorite among NBA bettors in Massachusetts. Bets can be placed on regular season games, playoffs, and the NBA Finals.
MLB
The Boston Red Sox are a major team in MLB, and Massachusetts residents can place bets on their games throughout the season and during the World Series.
NHL
Bettors can place wagers on the Boston Bruins during the NHL regular season, playoffs, and the Stanley Cup.
College Sports
Massachusetts offers betting on college sports, including football and basketball games. Teams like the UMass Minutemen and Boston College Eagles attract many local bettors.
NASCAR
NASCAR fans in Massachusetts can place bets on races, including major events like the Daytona 500.
Massachusettsâ Sports Teams to Bet On
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are a staple in Massachusetts sports culture. Betting on their games provides numerous opportunities for wagers, from moneyline bets to prop bets on player performances.
#callouts#1
New England Patriots
The Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, making them a popular choice for bettors in Massachusetts. Bets can be placed on various aspects of their games, including point spreads and player props.
Boston Celtics
As one of the NBA's most storied franchises, the Celtics draw significant betting interest. Bettors can place wagers on game outcomes, player performances, and season-long futures.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins are a favorite among NHL bettors. Wagering options include betting on game outcomes, player stats, and the teamâs chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
New England Revolution
Massachusetts residents can bet on the Revolution in Major League Soccer matches. Options include betting on match outcomes, goal scorers, and season-long performances.
Massachusetts College Sports Teams
Bettors cannot place wagers on local college teams such as the UMass Minutemen and Boston College Eagles unless they are participating in a tournament.
Types of Wagers Available
Massachusetts sportsbooks offer various types of wagers to suit all betting preferences:
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a straightforward wager on which team will win a game. For example, betting on the Boston Red Sox to win a game against the New York Yankees.
Parlays
Parlays combine multiple bets into one, offering higher potential payouts. For example, a parlay might include bets on the Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins all winning their games.
Parlays offer higher rewards but come with increased risk, as all selections must win for the bet to pay out.
Totals
Totals, or over/under bets, involve betting on the total number of points scored in a game. For example, betting on the total points scored in a Celtics game to be over or under a specified number.
Point Spreads
Point spreads involve betting on the margin of victory. For example, betting on the Patriots to win by more than 7 points against the Dolphins.
Futures
Futures bets are placed on events that will occur in the future, such as betting on the Celtics to win the NBA Championship.
Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on specific events within a game, such as betting on the number of home runs hit by a player in a Red Sox game.
Live Bets
Live betting allows bettors to place wagers in real-time as the action unfolds. This dynamic form of betting is popular for its immediacy and excitement.
Choosing the Right Massachusetts Betting Site
When selecting a betting site, consider the following:
What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Site is Right for me?
- License and Regulation: Ensure the site is licensed to operate in Massachusetts.
- User Experience: Look for a platform with a user-friendly interface.
- Betting Options: Choose a site with a wide range of sports and bet types.
- Promotions and Bonuses: Compare welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions.
- Customer Service: Opt for a site with reliable customer support.
Why Should I Have At Least 3 Massachusetts Sportsbook Accounts?
Having accounts with multiple sportsbooks allows you to:
- Compare Odds: Find the best odds for your bets.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Benefit from various bonuses and offers.
- Increase Betting Options: Access a broader range of betting markets.
What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?
You cannot make deposits using a credit card at sportsbooks in Massachusetts. This restriction is part of the regulations the Massachusetts Gaming Commission set forth to promote responsible gambling and mitigate the risks associated with credit card debt.
Instead, bettors in Massachusetts can use other popular deposit methods such as ACH/eCheck, online bank transfers, PayPal, site-specific prepaid debit cards, and cash deposits at affiliated casino locations.
Sports Betting in Massachusetts
The passage of H5164, known as the "Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act," brought significant changes to the state's sports betting landscape. Here are the key provisions of this law:
- Tax Rates: The law imposes a 20% tax rate on revenue from online sports betting and a 15% tax rate on retail sports betting.
- College Sports Betting Restrictions: Betting on in-state college teams is generally prohibited unless the teams participate in tournaments.
- Licensing: The law grants sports betting licenses to casinos and racetracks, ensuring these establishments can offer sports betting services.
- Online Sports Betting Licenses: A total of 15 online sports betting licenses are authorized. Seven of these are available through competitive bidding, while the remaining eight are tied to land-based partners, such as casinos or racetracks.
- Deposit Restrictions: To encourage responsible gambling, the law prohibits the use of credit cards to deposit into sportsbook accounts.
- Promotional Credit Regulations: Sportsbooks cannot deduct promotional credits from their taxable income.
- Age Requirement Display: To ensure compliance with age restrictions, all standalone sports betting logos at venues like Fenway Park, TD Garden, and Gillette Stadium must display "21 and over" language.
The Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act has structured the sports betting market to prioritize both regulatory oversight and responsible gambling practices.
Importance of Responsible Gaming in Massachusetts
Massachusetts promotes responsible gaming through various initiatives, including:
- Self-exclusion Programs: Allowing bettors to exclude themselves from betting activities if they are developing a gambling problem.
- Support Services: Providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- Education Campaigns: Raising awareness about the risks of gambling and promoting healthy betting habits.
Casino Gambling in Massachusetts
Massachusetts boasts three notable gambling venues, each offering unique gaming experiences:
- MGM Springfield: Located in Springfield, this full-scale casino resort features a variety of gaming options, entertainment, and dining facilities.
- Encore Boston Harbor: Situated in Everett, this luxury resort casino provides various gaming choices, upscale accommodations, and diverse dining options.
- Plainridge Park Casino: Found in Plainville, this slots-only racino also includes a harness-racing track, providing a distinctive blend of casino gaming and live racing.
Online Horse Betting in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, both horse racing and online horse betting are legally sanctioned. Enthusiasts can place bets on horse races via various online platforms, including popular sites like TwinSpires and TVG.
The premier venue for live horse racing in Massachusetts is Plainridge Park Casino, located in Plainville. This facility offers live harness racing from April to November, alongside year-round simulcast wagering and slot gaming. Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs, both former race tracks, provide simulcasting services seven days a week, enabling off-track betting on races nationwide.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is renowned for its pivotal role in the daily fantasy sports (DFS) industry. The state is home to DFS giant DraftKings, which launched in Boston and has grown to become a leader in the industry. DraftKings operates out of its headquarters in Bostonâs Back Bay, employing hundreds of key personnel.
DFS has been legally played in Massachusetts since 2016. It offers residents the chance to participate in daily and weekly fantasy sports contests across a variety of professional sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. This legal framework has helped foster a thriving DFS community within the state.
The presence of major DFS companies like DraftKings has positioned Massachusetts as a key player in the fantasy sports market, providing fans with exciting and legal avenues to test their sports knowledge and skills.
FAQs About Massachusetts Sports Betting
Top FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Massachusetts. Anyone over the age of 21 and inside Massachusetts can wager on sports. While some activities â lottery and pari-mutuel wagering â require bettors to only be 18 or older, but most gambling options in the state mandate that you be 21 or older.
What types of sports can I bet on?
You can bet on a variety of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and more.
Can I bet online in Massachusetts?
Yes, online sports betting is legal and available in Massachusetts.
What is the legal age for sports betting in Massachusetts?
The legal age for sports betting in Massachusetts is 21.
How can I ensure my bets are placed safely?
Bet through licensed and regulated sportsbooks, use strong passwords, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.