In case you missed it (or perhaps live under a rock) … sports betting officially launched in Massachusetts on Tuesday. It’s just retail sportsbooks for now at the state’s three casinos — mobile betting won’t come until late February or early March.
But still. This was a momentous occasion for a state that’s been clamoring for legal sports wagering for years. No longer will Massachusetts residents have to drive to New Hampshire or Connecticut or New York to place their legal sports bets.
Now, they just have to drive to Everett for Encore Boston Harbor, Springfield for MGM Springfield, or Plainville for Plainridge Park Casino.
Folks took to social media on Tuesday to celebrate the occasion. They posted their first bets. They shared photos and videos of the sights and sounds at Massachusetts’ three retail sportsbooks. They breathed a collective sigh of relief that launch day finally came.
Here’s a look at what social media is saying about the Massachusetts sports betting launch.
Sights and Sounds From the 3 Retail Sportsbooks
Advertising itself as “Boston’s Sportsbook,” the WynnBET Sportsbook at Encore Boston Harbor kicked off with an $11,000 bet from former New England Patriot Julian Edelman on the Boston Celtics to win the NBA Finals.
The BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts at MGM Springfield launched with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno betting $50 on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl. Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque put $100 on the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup.
Down in Plainville, former New England Patriot Rob Ninkovich opened sports betting at Plainridge Park Casino.
Some of the First Legal Sports Wagers
So, who were some of the first legal Massachusetts sports bettors? And what were they wagering on?
Massachusetts Politicians Get Involved
Some of the state’s top lawmakers showed up for launch day, too.
Here’s House Speaker Ron Mariano, one of the most vocal advocates of legal MA sports betting.
State Representative David Muradian went to the Barstool Sportsbook at PPC.
So did State Senator Becca Rausch.
