Let the fireworks begin. Eager new bettors are finally getting their first crack on online sports betting in Massachusetts.
The state dipped a toe in the water with the launch of retail sportsbooks at Massachusetts casinos back in late January. Now the state is diving head first with six mobile operators now live.
In 2023, the best way to gauge how a new fad is settling in is to check the temperature on social media.
So we headed over to Twitter to see what people were saying.
Draftkings whips out a Duck Boat in Beantown
Boston-based DraftKings held a ceremony Friday morning in front of a Duck Boat covered in ads for the company to celebrate the launch of online sports betting in Massachusetts.
DraftKings Massachusetts is without a doubt the biggest benefactor of the launch of mobile sports betting in MA. The homegrown gambling operator is already one of the top sportsbooks nationwide and also has built-in relationships with the local pro sports teams due to their partnerships surrounding daily fantasy sports.
6 mobile betting apps launch on Friday
Now, sports fans looking to get some skin in the game have more options than going to MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor or Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville. They can wager on sports right on their cell phone.
Six companies launched MA online sports betting sites Friday morning after getting the go-ahead from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. By next January, 10 apps will have launched.
TODAY: Mobile sports betting goes live in Massachusetts. 6 companies will launch this morning at 10. @NBC10Boston pic.twitter.com/mN68HlaYsg
— Jeff Saperstone (@JeffNBCBoston) March 10, 2023
BetMGM Massachusetts, which already has a retail sportsbook running at MGM Springfield, is the official sports betting partner of the Boston Red Sox.
People in Massachusetts starting to make their first digital bets
At 10 a.m. on Friday, people in Massachusetts were officially allowed to make their first bets using online sports betting apps.
While some folks are putting money down on future bets on Boston pro teams, some are looking for quick returns and betting on March Madness with some conference tournament games.
One bettor might have taken his eye off the ball a little too long. But he might still be able to cash in thanks to a little helper.
Sports betting ads dominating TV time and social media newsfeeds
After loads of pre-launch offers, it is clear that sports fans in Massachusetts are getting sick of seeing sports betting ads on TV. Unfortunately for them, those ads are not going away.
Bet responsibly, Massachusetts
With the launch of mobile betting in the market, the potential risk of gambling addiction is a huge concern for regulators. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has put responsible gambling at the forefront of its decision-making at nearly every turn throughout the launch of sports betting in the state.
To help players navigate this new world, the MGC is incorporating GameSense, which is an innovative, comprehensive responsible gaming program designed to keep gambling fun for all Bay State players. GameSense combines responsible gaming recommendations with interactive, engaging tools that can be seen at Massachusetts casinos and digital platforms.
Meanwhile, state officials are also letting folks in Massachusetts know that there are tools to help them steer clear of problem gambling. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tweeted out links to resources and information to educate people about the risks of gambling.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 1-800-327-5050 or visit www.mahelpline.org/problemgambling to speak with a trained specialist for free, 24/7