Editor-in-chief -…
Editor-in-chief – Gaming
There are plenty of different types of gambling for players to enjoy in Massachusetts, with online and retail sports betting available. You can also visit land-based casinos in the state. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), lottery, and pari-mutuel horse racing betting are all also legal.
While online poker is currently not legal in Massachusetts, there have been discussions about introducing legislation to legalize and regulate online poker in the state. Massachusetts has also considered introducing online casino gambling in the future, but there is no concrete plan.
Read our complete guide to Massachusetts online gambling below to discover what types of gambling are available and to what players. Our experts also provide a list of the best MA gambling sites, advice on what bonuses are available, and guidance on signing up.
Top 6 Massachusetts Online Gambling Sites
- DraftKings – Daily free pools for cash prizes
- BetMGM – MGM Rewards program with real life prizes
- Caesars – Earn Caesars Rewards points for meals & hotel stays
- WynnBET – Redeem FreeCredit & CompDollars at Wynn locations
- FanDuel – One wallet for DFS, sports, and horse betting
- Barstool – Build same-game and multisport parlays with Parlay+
1. DraftKings – Daily free pools for cash prizes
DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts went live on March 10, 2023. The Boston-based betting giant’s parent company DraftKings Inc was founded in Watertown, which makes its presence in the Bay State a hometown debut.
Navigating the DraftKings Massachusetts gambling app is seamless, thanks to a well-presented betting interface. You can bet on over 20 sports, including unique picks like snooker, lacrosse, eSports, darts, and chess. The sportsbook is also integrated with the industry-leading DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports platform in the Bay State.
DraftKings’ partnership with the NFL and NHL means that MA bettors can discover exclusive football and hockey bonuses, including on New England Patriots and Boston Bruins games.
2. BetMGM – MGM Rewards program with real life prizes
BetMGM launched its Massachusetts sports gambling site on March 10, 2023, the state’s first day of legal sports betting. The sportsbook belongs to MGM Resorts International’s widely-recognized group of entertainment and hospitality brands.
BetMGM’S mobile app offers a user-friendly layout with engaging features like odds boosts, live streaming, parlay bet generators, and the MGM Rewards program. The brand also operates the retail BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge facility at MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.
BetMGM is an official sports betting partner of the Boston Red Sox, so you’ll find exclusive betting markets and VIP experiences for games involving the team during the season.
3. Caesars – Earn Caesars Rewards points for meals & hotel stays
Caesars sportsbook MA is the gaming arm of Caesars Entertainment, a US betting and hospitality industry leader. The platform entered the Massachusetts sports betting market on March 10, 2023.
Caesars’ mobile app features user-friendly navigation and standard bet types on over 15 sports. Anyone that signs up with Caesars Sportsbook joins the Caesars Rewards program. You can earn loyalty points by betting and redeem these for bonuses and VIP experiences at any Caesars property.
Caesars is also an official partner of the NBA, so MA bettors can enjoy special promotions on basketball games, including those involving the Boston Celtics.
4. WynnBET – Redeem FreeCredit & CompDollars at Wynn locations
WynnBET is the sports betting subdivision of Wynn Resorts Ltd, a Vegas-based casino and gaming powerhouse. The online sportsbook was the first to receive a betting license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
The WynnBET desktop site looks dated, with low-quality menus and graphics. However, you can still navigate easily and find any betting markets you want. WynnBET provides frequent existing player promotions, including daily chances to win free bets. It also offers its exclusive “parlay longshot” promo.
You can join Wynn Rewards and earn loyalty credits which can be exchanged for benefits at the five-star Encore Boston Harbor resort, where WynnBet operates a retail Massachusetts sportsbook.
5. FanDuel – One wallet for DFS, sports, and horse betting
Popular sportsbook and daily fantasy sports platform FanDuel belongs to Flutter Entertainment, a publicly traded gambling company on the London Stock Exchange. The platform launched its Massachusetts sportsbook on March 10, 2023, the same day online gambling went live in the state.
FanDuel Massachusetts’ mobile app offers easy-to-navigate menus with features like live betting, same-game parlays, cashouts, and odds boosts available on more than a dozen sports. FanDuel’s desktop site is clean and provides handy sections explaining different bet types and sports for beginner players.
FanDuel’s MA sportsbook is connected to its acclaimed Daily Fantasy Sports app and the TVG pari-mutuel horse racing betting platform, allowing you to access three gambling verticals through one account and wallet.
6. Barstool – Build same-game and multisport parlays with Parlay+
PENN Entertainment’s online sportsbook, Barstool MA, went live on March 10, 2023. The Barstool brand was founded in Massachusetts and is known for its unfiltered sports and pop culture blog commentary, podcasts, and interviews.
Barstool’s mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, features a straightforward betting layout with drop-down menus and filter tabs. Massachusetts bettors can discover the Barstool Exclusives tool, which offers unique betting insights on up to 18 professional sports leagues.
The sportsbook operates a retail sportsbook at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, making it one of only three operators with a retail betting outlet in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Online Gambling Legislation Timeline
Massachusetts has been relatively progressive in its approach to gambling legislation. In 2011, the state authorized three casinos and a slot parlor, which paved the way for brick-and-mortar gambling establishments in the state. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that individual states could legalize sports betting, and in July 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed a sports betting bill into law, legalizing both online and in-person sports betting in the state.
- May 14, 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is struck down by the US Supreme Court, allowing each state to legalize sports betting.
- January 22, 2019: Several sports betting bills are introduced to the House and Senate: HB 68, HB 366, HB 372, HB 373, HB 377, HB 378, HB 379, SB 201, SB 224, SB 229, and SB 231.
- March 12, 2020: All of the lawmaking efforts into 2019 are combined in HB 4559.
- January 1, 2021: As a new legislative session starts, HB 4559 is abandoned.
- February 25, 2021: A bill to legalize Massachusetts sports gambling, HB 70, is introduced.
- March 29, 2021: Another huge selection of bills to legalize sports betting are introduced: HB 502, HB 506, HB 514, HB 515, HB 516, HB 517, HB 519, HB 531, HB 535, SB 254, SB 257, SB 263, SB 264, SB 269, SB 278, and SB 281.
- June 1, 2021: Another bill to legalize sports betting, HB 3832, is introduced by Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa.
- July 19, 2021: HB 3974, a bill to legalize sports betting, is introduced by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
- July 21, 2021: HB 3977 combines HB 70, HB 3832, HB 3974, and all of the bills introduced to the House on March 29, 2021, to legalize sports betting. SB 269 incorporates all of the Senate bills from the same date into one act.
- July 22, 2021: After amendments, which turn HB 3977 into HB 3993, the bill passes the House by a 156-3 vote.
- April 25, 2022: SB 2844 is introduced to the Senate to legalize sports betting.
- April 28, 2022: The Senate makes a wide range of changes to HB 3993, including content from SB 269, SB 2844, and SB 2862. The main changes include a ban on college sports betting, banning sports betting ads, and a higher tax rate. HB 3993 returns to the House.
- May 17, 2022: The House can’t agree on the changes made to HB 3993.
- July 28, 2022: Governor Charlie Baker comes out and publicly encourages lawmakers to get Massachusetts sports gambling legalized before the end of the legislative session. MA casinos also sign a joint letter supporting sports betting.
- August 1, 2022: Lawmakers amend HB 3993 into HB 5164, reducing the tax on sportsbooks, and allowing college sports betting (no in-state teams unless in the postseason). The bill passes both the House and the Senate with overwhelming margins.
- August 10, 2022: Gov. Baker signs HB 5164 to legalize retail and online sports betting in MA.
- December 2, 2022: Encore Boston Harbor is given the first MA sports gambling license, allowing the casino to partner with two online gambling platforms and launch a retail sportsbook.
- December 13, 2022: WynnBET is the first sportsbook to receive approval to launch in MA, partnering with Encore Boston Harbor.
- January 31, 2023: Retail sports betting goes live in Massachusetts.
- March 10, 2023: Massachusetts online sports gambling launches.
Massachusetts Online Gambling Regulation
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is the state’s regulatory body, overseeing sports betting and casino gambling. The license tax for sportsbooks is 10%, while casinos are subject to a 25% tax on revenue. It is crucial to only play on licensed gambling sites to ensure safety, and we only list legal and licensed operators in our guide. The legal gambling age in Massachusetts is 21 for sports betting and casino gambling.
FAQs
What types of gambling are legal in Massachusetts?
Do you have to be a Massachusetts resident to gamble?
What is the minimum gambling age in Massachusetts?
Are you allowed to bet on college sports in Massachusetts?
Can I gamble on my phone in Massachusetts?
Online Gambling Bonuses in Massachusetts
Massachusetts online gambling operators use bonuses to attract new players and keep existing players happy by providing free chances to bet and increase your profits. With so many high-quality operators in MA, gamblers have a wide range of promotions to claim.
Gambling sites frequently change bonuses to keep things exciting, but you can access the latest and most up-to-date bonus information directly from the gambling site by clicking the links on this page. Our experts have also provided overviews of some of the most popular promotions in MA.
Welcome Bonuses
A welcome bonus is an offer exclusively available to new customers at an online gambling site. You can claim these promotions by registering and following terms and conditions like making a minimum deposit. Many welcome bonuses will reward you with free bets, bonus funds, and more.
Deposit Match Bonuses
With a deposit match bonus, a Massachusetts gambling site will promise to match a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds. You can use these funds to make bets. Some sites will offer deposit matches of 100% or more, allowing you to increase your playing money significantly.
Before withdrawing bonus funds as cash, you must complete wagering requirements. Wagering requirements tell you how many times you need to use your funds before you can withdraw.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are offered without requiring the player to make a deposit. These bonuses are often smaller than deposit match bonuses and have higher wagering requirements but give you a free chance to place bets.
Loyalty Program
Many Massachusetts online gambling sites provide loyalty programs, which reward returning players for coming back to bet. You earn points by gambling, which you can use to claim promotions and bonuses. The best MA loyalty programs will let you use your points to claim real-life rewards.
Refer a Friend Program
With a refer a friend program, an online gambling platform will give you a unique link or code you can give to your friends. If people you know sign up with your link/code and follow terms like meeting a minimum deposit requirement, you’ll both get free bets and other bonuses.
Bonus Codes
Bonus codes are special codes that players can enter to claim a specific bonus. These codes are often emailed or displayed on the casino’s promotions page. For example, a casino might offer a 50% deposit match bonus up to $100 with the bonus code “MATCH50”.
Cashback
Cashback bonuses are a type of bonus where players receive a percentage of their losses back as bonus funds. These bonuses are often offered through loyalty programs, with players with a higher tier getting more cashback.
How to Register with Gambling Sites in Massachusetts
Registering with a Massachusetts online gambling site is very simple, and you can get started within a few minutes. Follow our straightforward guide below to get started.
1. Click the links on this page to select one of our recommended online gambling operators.
2. Press the “Register” or “Sign-Up” button on the site’s homepage.
3. Provide your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information is necessary to verify your identity and ensure you are of legal gambling age.
4. Create a unique username and password for your account, and agree to the terms and conditions to sign up.
5. Visit the cashier section to make your first deposit. You can select a payment method and how much money you want to add to your account.
6. Browse the Massachusetts gambling site’s markets and select a betting line you want. Add it to your bet slip, choose how much to stake, and place a bet.
7. If you win your wager, return to the withdrawal section and follow the instructions to get your money out.
Enabling your device’s geolocation services is necessary if you’re gambling on your mobile in Massachusetts. This is because state regulations require gambling operators to verify that players are physically located within state lines before allowing them to place bets. By enabling your device’s geolocation services, you can ensure that you meet this requirement and avoid any issues with your account.
Before you can cash out your winnings from a Massachusetts gambling site, you will typically need to verify your account. This standard procedure is designed to prevent fraud and ensure that the site complies with state regulations. The verification process usually involves submitting documentation such as a government-issued ID, proof of address, and proof of payment method ownership.
Massachusetts Online and Mobile Gambling
Thanks to the proliferation of online and mobile gambling, Massachusetts residents can now enjoy their favorite games and betting options from the comfort of their own homes. Below, our experts explain the different types of online and mobile gambling available in the state, from sports betting and casino games.
Desktop Gambling in Massachusetts
Online gambling on a desktop client is similar to the experience on a mobile device but with the added advantage of a larger screen and potentially more features. Players can access the gambling site directly from their web browser, without needing to download any software and enjoy a wide range of games, from slots and table games to sports betting and more. The desktop client also typically offers a more immersive experience with high-quality graphics and sound effects.
Mobile Gambling in Massachusetts
Online gambling in Massachusetts and the US has become increasingly mobile-friendly, with most gambling operators offering both HTML5 responsive mobile browser clients and native apps for mobile devices.
HTML5 responsive mobile browser clients allow players to access the gambling site directly from their mobile browser, without downloading any additional software. These mobile sites are optimized for smaller screens and offer a user-friendly experience with access to all the same games and features available on the desktop version.
Native Massachusetts gambling apps, on the other hand, can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and offer a more tailored experience. These apps are designed specifically for mobile devices and often feature exclusive bonuses and promotions. However, they may take up more space on your device and require regular updates to ensure optimal performance.
Massachusetts Online Gambling Payment Methods
Massachusetts online gambling sites provide a range of payment options so you can find a method you’re comfortable using. Each provider is secure, and each has benefits and downsides. Our experts break down the pros and cons of the most popular gambling payment methods below.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Most MA gambling sites accept Visa and Mastercard, but other cards may not allow gambling transactions. While bank cards are widely available for deposits, you may not be able to use them for withdrawals.
- E-Wallets: You can make fast and secure transactions with e-wallets without entering any of your banking information into an online gambling site. Most operators accept payments from e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill.
- Prepaid Cards: With prepaid cards like Play+ and PayNearMe, you can top up your account fast and from real-life locations. For example, you can add money to your PayNearMe from retailers like Walgreens and 7-Eleven.
- Wire and Bank Transfer: Many MA online gambling sites allow you to make direct transfers from your bank account. While this type of payment is very secure, withdrawals are often slower than with other options.
- Casino Cage Cashier: If your Massachusetts online gambling site has a land-based partner, you may be able to deposit and withdraw money at the casino cage cashier.
Most Massachusetts online gambling sites will process deposits instantly, but withdrawal times will vary depending on your payment method. Most options will take somewhere between two to five days, although payment methods like e-wallets may be faster.
Responsible Gambling in Massachusetts
Massachusetts takes responsible gambling seriously and has implemented measures to promote safe and responsible gambling. The state offers a self-exclusion program, allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
Each Massachusetts online gambling site must have a responsible gambling section that includes self-help tools such as time limits, budgets, and links to resources. Additionally, gambling sites must implement safety measures such as age and identity verification to prevent underage gambling and fraud. These measures aim to protect vulnerable individuals and promote responsible gambling practices.
Massachusetts Problem Gambling Resources
Massachusetts Sports Betting
Sports betting was legalized in Massachusetts in 2021 when Governor Charlie Baker signed HB 5164 into law to allow online and retail sports betting. Massachusetts sports betting went live in March 2023, with a maximum of 15 online sportsbook licenses available. Every betting site must partner with a land-based casino or a horse racing track.
A wide range of betting markets is available for Massachusetts players. Our experts cover the most popular options at online sportsbooks below.
- NFL: Massachusetts residents can bet on NFL games and prop bets for all 32 teams, including the New England Patriots.
- NBA: You’ll find betting lines for the Boston Celtics and all the other teams in the NBA, with odds available pre-game and in-play.
- MLB: There are odds for the Boston Red Sox at every MA online gambling site, including betting lines for the team to win the World Series and other futures.
- NHL: If you’re a hockey fan, you can bet on the Boston Bruins and other franchises, with plenty of moneylines, point spreads, and totals available.
- NCAA: While college betting is legal in Massachusetts, you can’t place any player prop bets or wager on in-state teams. However, you can bet on any local teams that make it to postseason competitions.
- International Sports: A wide range of international sports are available at Massachusetts sports gambling sites, including soccer, basketball, and Formula 1.
- Minor Leagues: Some Massachusetts online gambling sites allow you to bet on minor league events, including baseball, basketball, and hockey.
- Other Sports: Along with the major leagues, you can bet on plenty of other US favorites like boxing, tennis, golf, and NASCAR.
Types of Bets in Massachusetts
There are various types of bets for sports gambling in Massachusetts. Here are some of the most popular bet types available:
- Moneyline: All Massachusetts online gambling sites offer moneyline bets, which are straightforward wagers where you bet on which team you think will win an event.
- Point Spreads: Bettors can place point spread bets, where you bet on the margin of victory for a team.
- Totals: Many sportsbooks offer totals betting, where you wager on whether the total points scored in a game will be over or under a set number.
- Player Props: Massachusetts bettors can place player prop bets, which are bets on individual player performances such as yards gained, points scored, or assists.
- Team Props: You’ll find plenty of team prop bets at MA sports gambling sites, which are bets on specific team outcomes, such as which team will score first or how many touchdowns a team will score.
- Futures: Bettors can place futures bets, which are long-term bets on events such as a team winning a championship.
- Parlays: A parlay bet is a wager that combines multiple wagers into a single bet, with higher payouts if all bets are correct.
Retail Sportsbooks in Massachusetts
| Venue | Address | Operating Partner |
| Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 | WynnBET |
| MGM Springfield | One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103 | BetMGM |
| Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762 | Barstool |
Massachusetts Sports Gambling Bonuses
Massachusetts online gambling sites will provide sports betting specific promotions to make betting more exciting and keep players coming back. Here are some of the most popular offers available.
- Free Bets: Massachusetts sports gambling sites offer free bets as a promotion, allowing you to place a bet without risking your own money.
- Risk-Free Bets: With risk-free bets, you can make a bet without worrying about losing, as the site will cover your losses up to a specific amount.
- Odds Boosts: MA sports gambling sites offer odds boosts, which increase the payout for certain bets to give you a better return on your investment.
- Parlay Insurance: Parlay insurance guarantees that even if one leg of your parlay bet fails, you’ll still get your money back as a free bet, which can be useful in increasing your chances of winning.
Massachusetts Casinos
Online casinos are not yet legal in Massachusetts. However, land-based casinos are legal and were launched in 2011 under the Expanded Gaming Act. There are currently three commercial casinos in the state and one Native American casino, but there are no riverboat casinos.
Land-Based Casinos in Massachusetts
| Venue | Address | Operating Partner |
| Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 | WynnBET |
| MGM Springfield | One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103 | BetMGM |
| Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762 | Barstool |
Massachusetts Poker
Online poker is not currently available in Massachusetts. However, there are land-based casinos in the state that offer poker games, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha. You can visit land-based casinos and play cash games and tournaments against other players.
Massachusetts Lottery
The Massachusetts Lottery was founded in 1971 and offers a variety of games, including scratch tickets and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. You can purchase tickets in person at authorized retailers throughout the state, but online ticket sales are not currently available.
Massachusetts Sweepstakes Casinos
While online casinos are not available in Massachusetts, you can play sweepstakes casinos and enjoy casino games without risking real money. These social casinos usually offer virtual tokens that players can use to play various casino games, such as slots and table games. Players can purchase additional tokens to continue playing.
Massachusetts DFS
Massachusetts lawmakers legalized Daily Fantasy Sports in 2016, and now players can create virtual teams of real-life athletes and compete against others based on the statistical performance of those athletes in actual games. Popular DFS platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel are available to play in Massachusetts.
Best Online Gambling Site Massachusetts
While there are plenty of contenders for the best online gambling site in Massachusetts, our experts believe DraftKings wins out on its home turf. The gambling site started in MA as a DFS platform, and you can still play DFS games alongside betting on sports and enjoying NFT games with Reignmakers.
The DraftKings desktop platform is incredibly easy to use and loads fast, which is perfect for in-play betting. The mobile platform lets you live stream events while you bet, including soccer and basketball. Both platforms offer incredibly competitive odds.
To sign up with DraftKings, or any other gambling site on this page, click our links to get started.
