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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.
“Massachusetts, let’s bet!” pic.twitter.com/1Fh2ST5Nna
— Julian Edlow (@julianedlow) March 10, 2023
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.
There’s a special Duck Boat for the @DraftKings celebration. Marking mobile sports betting going LIVE today in Massachusetts. #mobilebetting begins just days before #marchmadness pic.twitter.com/CewO16dUik
— Janet Wu (@JanetWuNews) March 10, 2023
Greetings from @DraftKings in Boston, where employees and spectators await the 10am launch of online sports betting in Massachusetts. House Speaker is expected to stop by like he did at Encore’s in-person launch. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/XLRVF3r8aR
— Steph Solis is on Threads (@stephmsolis) March 10, 2023
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.
BOSTON YOU'RE OUR HOME #BetLocal
DraftKings Sportsbook is officially LIVE in our home state, Massachusetts!
Download the app to take advantage of $200 in bonus bets: https://t.co/lRckVSD86z pic.twitter.com/RJQDXCv6sL
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 10, 2023
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.
Massachusetts, step up to the plate ⚾ #TheKingofSportsbooks is now LIVE!! 🦁 https://t.co/oBprZdPN42 pic.twitter.com/mQYRiIGHMo
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) March 10, 2023
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.
First legal bet in Massachusetts, a fanduel sponsered schnoz pack🤝 @SchnozPicks pic.twitter.com/dkre4h2rfe
— SharpTrizz🗡 (@trizzy_bets) March 10, 2023
Online betting is now LIVE in Massachusetts!! Here is my first ever legal online bet! @UH_Live @AlabamaMBB @DKSportsbook pic.twitter.com/bO6vJA4ujK
— Kibbs (@ScottKibbie1102) March 10, 2023
Just made my first legal mobile bet in Massachusetts. The future is now! pic.twitter.com/i4tzjmb0qn
— Chuck Taylor (@BoozeBlogsChuck) March 10, 2023
Thanks for the bonus bet @BetMGM here’s hoping it hits on my first slip with you guys! Little 5 leg parlay to kickoff mobile sports gambling in Massachusetts pic.twitter.com/t6pdqrPFpF
— Gamblachusetts (@gamblachusetts) March 10, 2023
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.
THE FIRST BET IN MASSACHUSETTS IS…
A $25 bonus bet on the "Double Duck Boats" Parlay: Celtics to Win NBA Championship & Bruins to Win Stanley Cup.
Potential Payout: $475 #BetLocal
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 10, 2023
The first digital bet placed in Massachusetts?
$50 on the Red Sox to win the World Series (+6000) 👀 pic.twitter.com/68weF2a5WT
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) March 10, 2023
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.
Hey @loumonaco please note that my first mobile bet in Massachusetts was my one year old taking my phone and accidentally placing a $25 bet on the Nuggets to make a 3-pointer at -20000. Bet would win 12 cents.
— Joe Rea (@josephmrea) March 10, 2023
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.
https://twitter.com/bruinscoverage_/status/1634267328643833857
https://twitter.com/ajpbradley/status/1634231499363872771
If i have to see or hear another draft kings ad for sports betting in massachusetts i think i might implode
— Cayla🌻 (@caylabc444) March 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/evolutionarypsy/status/1634172358616395777
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.
Commissioner Brad Hill, seen here showing his support for GameSense and their 4-2-1 strategy, and the entirety of the MGC are proud to work with GameSense this #PGAM. GameSense is the MGC’s statewide responsible gaming program.
MORE: https://t.co/UD9RKQrPLq pic.twitter.com/WCVsYb9qtq
— MA Gaming Commission (@MassGamingComm) March 10, 2023
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.
Many social events can involve gambling, especially for older adults. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the risks of gambling, especially as we age. Visit https://t.co/EI60kH91oV to learn more and discover alternatives to gambling. pic.twitter.com/8SimkIUP8S
— Mass. Public Health (@MassDPH) March 9, 2023
What’s harmless fun for some can be a problem for others. Problem gambling can have a social, emotional & financial impact on older adults & their families. There are many alternatives to gambling, and it’s a great time to try something new. Learn more: https://t.co/EI60kH8tzn. pic.twitter.com/1bQT9r9U7N
— Mass. Public Health (@MassDPH) March 10, 2023
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
