Massachusetts Sports Betting
The Massachusetts sports betting industry is now live and legal. Bettors in the state now have their choice between several online sportsbooks. On this page, PlayMA will help you pick which sports betting app is right for you.
Be sure to check out the different Massachusetts sportsbook promos, too.
Best Massachusetts sports betting apps for 2023
As more information becomes available, we’ll include it here.
Massachusetts sports betting updates
- June 6: Betting in person at Encore Boston Harbor? PlayMA writer Dan Holmes takes a deep dive into how the proposed expansion plans to EBH are being received by Everett residents and Wynn Resorts employees.
- June 2: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission announces that it is set to review the Raynham Park Caesars Sportsbook license application on June 12.
- June 1: Could the recent launch of MA sports betting prompt the state to start an online lottery? PlayMA writer Adam Hensley takes a closer look.
- May 31: Bettors are using BetMGM Sportsbook to take the Patriots +4.5 and the Over in New England’s Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- May 25: Fanatics Sportsbook launches its beta testing product in Massachusetts. The app will be fully available to all Massachusetts bettors soon.
- May 23: As Fanatics prepares to go live in MA, could the sportsbook form a partnership with Massachusetts sports legend Tom Brady?
- May 22: How could the legalization of sports betting in Vermont impact the MA sports betting scene? PlayMA writer Dan Holmes takes a closer look.
- May 18: Retail bettors at MGM Springfield enjoyed a fantastic April, resulting in the casino tallying a -13.84% revenue hold during the month.
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes.
MA mobile sports betting went live on March 10. Any Massachusetts bettor can now place their bets on seven online sportsbook apps: DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, WynnBET, Barstool Sportsbook and Betr.
In addition to the seven sportsbooks that are live, Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its beta testing product in Massachusetts. Its app is expected to become available to all eligible MA bettors in the coming weeks.
Under current law, as many as 15 MA online sports betting apps can be available in MA. Bally Bet is slated to launch in the coming weeks, while Betway will launch in January 2024.
The state legalized sports gambling last summer, and the first legal bets were accepted at Massachusetts casinos Jan. 31, 2023, when retail sports betting went live. All three casinos are home to sports betting options.
Massachusetts sports betting news
Snapshot of MA sports betting
Here are some quick facts about Massachusetts sports betting:
| Launch status: | Retail sports betting launched on Jan. 31, 2023. Online sportsbooks went live on March 10. |
| Available formats: | Mobile sportsbook apps are available in both iOS and Android formats. |
| Number of licensed online sportsbooks: | Seven online sportsbooks are fully available now. An eighth, Fanatics Sportsbook, has launched its beta product. Ten will be available by January 2024. In total, as many as 15 are allowed. |
| Number of retail sportsbooks: | As many as five. |
| Sportsbook tax rates: | 20% on online sports betting, 15% on retail sports betting |
Why we like each Massachusetts online sportsbook
MA online sports betting apps take the sports gambling scene to the next level in Massachusetts. Bettors in the state now have plenty of options to choose from when placing their wagers.
Mobile sportsbook apps currently available are: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, Barstool Sportsbook and Betr. Fanatics Sportsbook has also launched its beta testing product in the state.
Let’s take a closer look at each betting site and what we like about them:
MA launch date: March 10, 2023
Review: DraftKings MA Sportsbook
DraftKings Massachusetts
DraftKings Sportsbook is the closest thing that Massachusetts residents have to a hometown brand. It was founded in Boston and maintains its headquarters in Beantown to this day.
The sportsbook app itself is one of the most innovative on the market. Its betting carousel aims to provide a custom betting experience, and DraftKings was the first major US sportsbook to offer the now-ubiquitous cash-out option.
MA launch date: March 10, 2023
Review: BetMGM MA Sportsbook
BetMGM Massachusetts
BetMGM is the online wing of MGM Resorts, the international gambling company that counts MGM Springfield as one of its properties.
The online sportsbook offers a good amount of flexibility through its option for customers to edit aspects of their open bets. This can include adding legs, changing out existing legs or even increasing the amount of a bet. The feature dovetails with the standard cash-out option, meaning a bettor has more control over open bets than with other apps.
MA launch date: March 10, 2023
Review: FanDuel MA Sportsbook
FanDuel Massachusetts
FanDuel is already known to Massachusetts bettors due to its history as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) platform in the state. Now, FanDuel is one of the top sportsbook apps in the Bay State.
The betting site stands out with its wide selection of player props. It’s also seen as the best app to place a parlay, as it was the first US sportsbook to broadly offer Same Game Parlays.
Finally, FanDuel offers noteworthy navigation and ease of use, along with competitive betting odds. It is especially known for offering generous odds on underdogs.
MA launch date: March 10, 2023
Review: Caesars MA Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts
Caesars Sportsbook is the representative of the casino giant of the same name. There are few legal sports gambling locations in the US where Caesars has yet to launch, and Massachusetts has now joined the party.
One of the notable aspects of Caesars is its bonuses and promotions. Perhaps in a nod to the brand’s opulent identity, it offers new and existing customers access to an array of promotions.
Beyond its Mssachusetts app, Caesars Sportsbook plans to launch a retail sportsbook at Raynham Park later in 2023.
MA launch date: March 10, 2023
Review: WynnBET MA Sportsbook
WynnBET Massachusetts
WynnBET Sportsbook is a relatively new option to US bettors, with a debut in September 2020 in New Jersey. However, Massachusetts is now the 10th state to welcome a launch from the online betting site. Residents may have already gotten a taste of what WynnBET has to offer through its retail location at Encore Boston Harbor.
WynnBET Sportsbook itself remains a work in progress, but the app is one of the smoothest and fastest on the market, thanks to its partnership with GAN. There are plenty of live betting options, spreads, teasers and moneyline bets.
Best offers and bonuses at Massachusetts sportsbooks
All Massachusetts sports betting apps that are live are offering promos and bonuses for new users. They are:
- DraftKings MA: Get up to $1,200 in Bonuses
- BetMGM MA: Get up to $1,000 paid back in Bonus Bets
- FanDuel MA: No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000
- Caesars Sportsbook MA: Get your first bet on Caesars up to $1,250
- WynnBET MA: Bet $100, Get $100 bet credit
- Barstool Sportsbook MA: Bonus bet up to $1,000
- Betr MA: $50 in bonus bet credits
- Fanatics Sportsbook MA: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (beta product)
Be sure to read the fine print on any bonus offer you entertain. In addition, look out for playthrough requirements with huge multiples, as they can make it quite difficult to convert bonus dollars into withdrawable cash.
The Fanatics Sportsbook MA bonus is only available through its beta product right now, which is only accessible by users who already have a Fanatics account. The company is expected to launch its sportsbook to all eligible bettors in MA in the coming weeks.
Here are the main types of sportsbook promos in Massachusetts that are available:
- No deposit — No deposit bonuses require only that you register for an account. The sportsbook will then add site credits or bet vouchers into your account without requiring that you put forth any of your own money.
- Deposit — Deposit bonuses match all or a portion of your deposit amount as additional bonus funds or site credits in your account.
- Odds boosts — Odds boosts increase the amount of potential payout you can realize on certain wagers. The sportsbook app will designate which wagers qualify for a boost, generally increasing payouts for winning bets between 15% and 35%.
- Rewards programs — Earn points when you wager and redeem the points for various perks and benefits. Depending on the app, you may also be able to use the points to purchase items from a bonus store.
In addition to these bonuses, some sportsbooks may offer special bonuses for playoff games. For example, BetMGM MA is running a special NBA playoffs offer — Bet $10 Win $200 Instantly on any NBA Playoffs wager.
Massachusetts retail sportsbook partnerships and locations
There are currently three retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts. A fourth, Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park, is in the works. The state allows for one more retail sportsbook at Suffolk Downs, but the horse racing simulcast facility has yet to announce a retail partner.
Massachusetts could perhaps permit sportsbooks at sporting venues in the future. However, that is currently not allowed.
Here are the current retail sports betting partnerships and locations.
| 💰 Sportsbook | 📲 Mobile Launch Date | 🏢 Retail Sportsbook Location |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | March 10, 2023 | N/A |
| BetMGM | March 10, 2023 | MGM Springfield |
| Caesars Sportsbook | March 10, 2023 | Raynham Park (expected to open in spring 2023) |
| Barstool Sportsbook | March 10, 2023 | Plainridge Park Casino |
| WynnBET | March 10, 2023 | Encore Boston Harbor |
| FanDuel | March 10, 2023 | N/A |
| Betr | May 8, 2023 | N/A |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | May 25, 2023 (beta product) | N/A |
| Bally Bet | Summer 2023 | N/A |
| Betway | January 2024 | N/A |
Who can bet on sports in Massachusetts?
You need to be 21 years of age or older to bet on sports in Massachusetts. In addition, in order to bet at a Massachusetts online sportsbook, you need to be located within state lines.
The state officially legalized sports betting in August 2022 when Gov. Charlie Baker signed off on H5164, or, as it is styled, the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act. Here are some of the main rules and regulations:
| Legal age? | 21 |
| Can you bet online? | Yes ✅ |
| Is there remote registration? | Yes ✅ |
| Are there geolocation restrictions? | You must be within the Massachusetts boundary, which extends 3 miles off the coast into the Atlantic Ocean 🌊 |
| Are there taxes on my winnings? | 24% federal tax and 5% state tax 🏦 |
What you can and can’t bet on in Massachusetts
In total, you can bet on 69 sports in Massachusetts.
Common sports and leagues you can bet on include the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS. You can also bet on college basketball, college football and college baseball.
In addition to popular sports and leagues, you can also bet on more niche sporting events such as handball, floorball, and pesäpillo, among others.
Here’s a breakdown of notable sports and events you can and can’t bet on in Massachusetts.
College sports ✅
You can bet on college sports in Massachusetts, with exceptions. You can only bet on MA colleges if those teams are in a tournament, such as March Madness. You cannot bet on individual college awards in MA, such as the Heisman Trophy.
Esports ❌
You cannot bet on esports in Massachusetts. The only way for this to change is for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to approve a petition to add esports to the Sports Wagering Catalog. No such petitions have been filed yet.
Pro league drafts ✅
You can bet on professional league drafts, such as the NFL Draft and NBA Draft, in Massachusetts. There are no restrictions on in-state college athletes in these events, either. You could bet on an NFL team selecting a Boston College player, for instance.
Cornhole ❌
Despite its growing popularity on sportsbooks such as DraftKings, cornhole is off limits for Massachusetts bettors. The American Cornhole League is the most well-established pro league, and ESPN airs some of its biggest events.
Awards shows, eating competitions ✅
The Massachusetts Sports Wagering Catalog includes the Oscars and Emmys, if you can find odds on those shows. It also includes Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and other eating competitions sanctioned by Major League Eating.
Chess ❌
Massachusetts residents are not allowed to bet on chess. Although not common in the US, chess betting is offered on some smaller platforms, such as Unibet. These sportsbooks most often offer odds on major tournaments around the world.
Olympics, X Games ✅ & ❌
You can only bet on certain Olympics and X Games events in Massachusetts. Specifically, you cannot bet on any events in these competitions that rely on judging to determine the result. All other events, such as any race, are fair game.
Where can I bet on sports in Massachusetts?
Betting on sports in Massachusetts is available both online and in-person.
Retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts
All three Massachusetts casinos take sports bets. They are MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino.
At full capacity, Massachusetts could feature up to 15 mobile sports betting apps. So far, 10 licenses have been approved and seven have fully launched. Right now, you can bet on sports online in Massachusetts using DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, Barstool Sportsbook and Betr. In addition, Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its beta product in MA.
Can you bet on sports in Boston?
Yes. You can bet on sports in Boston at Encore Boston Harbor Casino. It is the newest of the three Massachusetts resort casinos. The casino sits on a 33-acre piece of land on the eastern bank of the Mystic River. In fact, it is merely 5 miles from central Beantown and is easily accessible across the Alford Street Bridge.
Can you bet on sports in Worcester?
Yes. You can bet on sports in Worcester, but only online. At this time there is not a retail casino or retail sportsbook in Worcester. Seven mobile sportsbook apps are available right now, and more will be added to the mix in the coming months.
Can you bet on sports in Foxborough?
Yes. Plainridge Park Casino is now accepting sports wagers, and it is located just south of Foxborough and Gillette Stadium. This means that if you are going to a New England Patriots game and want to bet on sports, or even if the Patriots play again in the Super Bowl one day, you can stop by Plainville to place your bets at Plainridge Park.
Can you bet on sports in Springfield?
Yes. Springfield is home to MGM Springfield Casino, which began taking sports bets earlier this year. The casino is located in the Metro Center of Springfield, and encompasses 125,000 square feet of space. In addition to sports gambling booths and kiosks, there are more than 2,500 slot machines, dozens of table games, a poker room and keno.
Can you bet on sports in Raynham?
Yes. You can bet on sports online in Raynham right now, and in-person betting will become available soon. Pending approval from the MGC, Caesars will open a 30,000-square-foot retail sportsbook at Raynham Park, a simulcast horse betting facility 30 miles south of Boston.
How to download, sign up and bet online in Massachusetts
No matter the online sportsbook you choose, the procedure to sign up and start betting is mostly be the same, as the books don’t want a steep learning curve. Here’s what to do:
- Download the app. The first thing to do is access the online sportsbook of your choice via one of the above links. Then select the download link for your device format, follow the instructions and install the app onto your computer, phone or tablet.
- Register for a new account. Select the registration or sign-up button. You will then need to submit your personal information, like your name, date of birth, email address, phone number, Social Security number and login details.
- Deposit money. After creating your account, head to the cashier section of the app and choose a deposit method. You will not be able to use a credit card to deposit. You should also take care to choose a method that you don’t mind using for withdrawals. Don’t forget to claim any welcome bonuses that are available.
- Place a wager. Once you have money in your account, go back to the main lobby and look for a wager you like — whether it’s a spread or moneyline bet, or a parlay, or even one of a variety of teasers. Press the button for your desired wager, and monitor the progress on your bet slip.
How to make a withdrawal
Once you’re ready to cash out, head back to the cashier and choose the option to withdraw. You may need to withdraw via the same method as you deposited, or you can use one of the other methods.
However, if you happen to have bonus money or site credits, you will not be able to withdraw the value of those funds until you fulfill their playthrough requirements. Many withdrawals will process on the same day.
How to read betting odds
With so many different bets out there, understanding how to read them is critical to sports betting.
When moneyline betting, the team denoted with negative (-) odds tell you what you have to bet on the favorite in order to win $100. Conversely, positive (+) odds tell you how much you stand to win for every $100 you wager on the underdog. For example, a team with moneyline odds of +110 would payout $110 for every $100 wager. Meanwhile, if you bet on the team with -120 odds, you would have to wager $120 to win $100.
Similarly, when spread betting, the favored team is indicated with the negative sign, while underdogs are indicated with a plus-sign. If the Celtics are 7.5-point favorites, they will appear as -7.5 on US sportsbooks. Most spread bets are offered at -110 odds.
Thankfully, all sports betting platforms show you what you stand to win before locking in your wager.
Different types of bets
Now that MA online sports betting apps are live, users have a wide variety of bets to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of bets:
Moneyline bets
A moneyline bet is simply picking the winner of the game. It doesn’t matter how many points they win by or how many points each team scores.
If you bet on a team to win and they do, you win money. Simple as that.
You can find moneyline bets for just about every sport out there.
Spread bets
The point spread is a bet on the score differential of a certain game. If you bet on the favored team, they must win by a certain amount of points, goals, runs, etc.
An underdog must lose by less than a certain amount (or win the game outright).
Most US sportsbooks offer spread bets for full games, halves, and even quarters of certain sports and leagues.
Total (over/under) bets
When you bet on the total, you’re betting whether the total number of points scored in the game will go over or stay under a certain line that the sportsbook sets.
Like spread bets, totals are typically offered for full games, halves, and quarters. In addition, total betting extends to proposition bets.
For example, you could bet the over/under of how many total strikeouts a pitcher will have in a baseball game or how many rushing yards a running back will have in a football game.
Massachusetts sports betting revenue
In April, Massachusetts sports betting apps combined to pull in more than $546.2 million in sports betting handle, according to a report from the MGC.
DraftKings took in the most handle at $283.8 million — or 52% of the market. FanDuel was a close second, bringing in $172.6 million — or 31.6% of the market.
In total, all six active Massachusetts online sportsbooks reported $58.5 million in revenue, which translated to $11.7 million in state taxes.
Promo tax write-offs policy
The MGC does not allow sportsbooks to write off promotional credits from their taxes. Based on promotional write-offs in other markets, this policy could significantly boost the state’s expected sports betting revenue.
Here’s the tax revenue PlayMA projects a mature Massachusetts sports betting market could generate …
💰 Without promo write-offs: $87 million
💰 With promo write-offs: $56 million
MA sports betting law
Massachusetts sports betting was made legal when former Gov. Charlie Baker signed H.5164 into law on Aug. 10, 2022.
The law designated that at full capacity, up to 15 online sports betting licenses are available, including seven standalone licenses. It also allowed for casinos and racetracks to be awarded sports betting licenses.
The legislation outlined what is legal to bet on, and what is not. For example, betting on in-state college teams is not allowed unless it is during a tournament of four or more teams, such as March Madness. In addition, wagering on esports, certain Olympics events, cornhole, chess, jai alai, and sporting events overseen by Belorussian or Russian governing bodies is prohibited.
The law also stated that users cannot deposit money into their sportsbook accounts using credit cards, and set the legal age to gamble on sports at 21.
In addition, the law stipulated that online sports betting operators have a 20% tax rate, while in-person retail operators have a 15% tax rate.
Other legal betting options in Massachusetts
In addition to sports betting, there are a few other forms of legal gambling in Massachusetts.
Horse race betting
Massachusetts horse race betting has a rich history. In fact, betting on horse races is the oldest form of legal gambling in Massachusetts, starting in 1934.
Nowadays, horse racing has waned in popularity, both inside Massachusetts and throughout the US. Plainridge Racecourse is the only active racetrack in Massachusetts at this time.
Simulcast wagering for both horse and dog races is available at Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park.
Casino gambling
There are three Massachusetts casinos: MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino. Beginning Jan. 31, 2023, MA residents could bet on sports at those three casinos.
They also offer much more, including slot machines, table games and poker.
While both retail and online sports betting are legal, only retail casino gambling and retail poker are legal. Massachusetts online poker and online casinos aren’t.
Daily fantasy sports
DFS in Massachusetts got its start in 2016 when then-Gov. Charlie Baker temporarily legalized daily fantasy sports as part of a larger economic development bill.
Then, in 2018, DFS became permanently legal in the state. DraftKings DFS and FanDuel DFS dominate the market to the tune of a combined 90% market share.
However, other platforms, including Boom Fantasy and Jock MKT, exist too.
Lottery
The Massachusetts Lottery was established in 1972 and has generated more than $143 billion in revenue since then. The lottery has also handed out more than $100 billion in prizes.
Residents can play a variety of lottery games, including draws and instant-wins, pull tabs, and charitable games. Some of the most popular games are Keno, Powerball, Mass Cash and Mega Millions.
Popular Massachusetts sports teams to bet on
Massachusetts has long been a hotbed for famous and prestigious sports franchises. All four of the state’s major professional teams have won championships at least once this century.
There are also several college teams in Massachusetts that are popular wagering options.
Here are the most popular sports teams for Massachusetts bettors:
New England Patriots 🏈
For the football faithful in Massachusetts, cheering on the New England Patriots now has another level of engagement now that betting on the Patriots is legal.
The Patriots finished the 2022-23 NFL season with a record of 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
But it’s never too early to check out New England’s odds for Super Bowl 58:
Boston Celtics 🏀
At the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, the Boston Celtics odds were the shortest to win the NBA Finals at most Massachusetts sportsbooks.
However, after storming back from down 3-0 to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, the Celtics were blown out and ended their 2022-23 season one win from the Finals.
Boston Red Sox ⚾
The Boston Red Sox began the 2023 MLB season with odds of +6000 to win the World Series. They were also +2800 to win the American League pennant and +1500 to win the AL East.
Newcomer Masataka Yoshida is going to be fun to watch all season, and figures to be in the running to win AL Rookie of the Year. Those might be the most worthwhile Red Sox odds to track.
Boston Bruins 🏒
The Boston Bruins put together a historic 2022-23 regular season. But they lost in the first round in seven games to the Florida Panthers.
Until then, betting on the Bruins has been widely popular across the country. Bruins betting is sure to pick up once the new NHL season comes around in the fall.
Other Massachusetts teams
Professional
- New England Revolution (MLS)
- Massachusetts Pirates (Indoor Football League)
- Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)
- Boston Thirteens (rugby)
- New England Free Jacks (rugby)
College
- Boston College
- Boston University
- Harvard
- Holy Cross
- Merrimack
- UMass
- UMass Lowell
- Stonehill
- Northeastern
Massachusetts responsible gambling
When it comes to responsible gambling, there are multiple resources available in Massachusetts around the clock.
If you want to explore options for problem gambling treatment, you can contact the Office of Problem Gambling Services (OPG) at the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at (800) 327-5050, or reach out through the live chat function on the helpline website. Alternatively, you can also reach out to the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, which maintains its own helpline at (800) 426-1234 and a live chat function on its website.
Another beneficial feature of Massachusetts responsible gambling is a voluntary self-exclusion list. The state-run program bars you from patronizing any gambling locations in the state. Placing yourself on the list will render you unable to play at these venues and subject to various forfeitures if you are caught doing so. You can set the time you are on the list from 6 months to the rest of your life.
In addition, another great resource is the MGM GameSense page, which offers state-specific information. The site aims to “keep gambling fun with tips and information for casino guests.”
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org
Where is sports betting legal in the US?
Sports betting is one of the fastest growing industries in the country.
As of June 2023, here’s where it’s legal in the US:
| Alabama ❌ | Alaska ❌ | Arizona ✅ | Arkansas ✅ | California ❌ |
| Colorado ✅ | Connecticut ✅ | Delaware ✅ | Florida ❌ | Georgia ❌ |
| Hawaii ❌ | Idaho ❌ | Illinois ✅ | Indiana ✅ | Iowa ✅ |
| Kansas ✅ | Kentucky ⏳ - pending | Louisiana ✅ | Maine ⏳ - pending | Maryland ✅ |
| Massachusetts ✅ | Michigan ✅ | Minnesota ❌ | Mississippi ✅ | Missouri ❌ |
| Montana ✅ | Nebraska - Pending | Nevada ✅ | New Hampshire ✅ | New Jersey ✅ |
| New Mexico ✅ | New York ✅ | North Carolina ✅ | North Dakota ✅ | Ohio ✅ |
| Oklahoma ❌ | Oregon ✅ | Pennsylvania ✅ | Rhode Island ✅ | South Carolina ❌ |
| South Dakota ✅ | Tennessee ✅ | Texas ❌ | Utah ❌ | Vermont ⏳ - pending |
| Virginia ✅ | Washington ✅ | West Virginia ✅ | Wisconsin ✅ | Wyoming ✅ |
Where sports betting may launch next
Kentucky is the latest state to legalize sports betting. The industry is tentatively projected to launch by the end of 2023.
Vermont also just passed a bill through its House and Senate, and it’s awaiting a signature from the governor — which is expected to happen in June.
Other states such as North Carolina and Missouri are seemingly on the cusp of legalizing the industry.
Massachusetts sports betting history
Although Massachusetts has a history with legal gambling stretching back nearly 100 years, the period arguably with the most upheaval and change is right now. Here is a brief timeline of Massachusetts’ recent history with gambling, particularly with regard to sports betting.
- 2016 — The first indication that sports gambling might be a viable legal activity occurs with the legalization of daily fantasy sports in Massachusetts. Given that a primary DFS pioneer, DraftKings, already calls Boston home, legal DFS play in the state likely seemed inevitable.
- 2019 — Lawmakers file the first major bill to legalize sports betting. However, S201 fails to clear the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
- 2021 — After a one-year hiatus from the issue, lawmakers return with two sports betting bills. However, like their predecessor in 2019, neither one gains much traction in the Massachusetts Legislature.
- 2022 — The Massachusetts Senate passes an amended H3993 and sets up negotiations with the state House to reach agreement on a bill. The bill moves to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk after receiving approval in both chambers, and Baker signs it into law in August.
- Jan. 31, 2023 — Retail sports betting launches in the state’s three casinos in January, with bookmakers posting odds on 69 available sports options.
- March 10, 2023 — Mobile sports betting in Massachusetts launches in March.
- May 8, 2023 — Betr, a microbetting-focused platform, launches in Massachusetts. It’s the seventh app to go live in the Bay State, joining BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, WynnBET and Barstool Sportsbook.
- May 25, 2023 – Fanatics Sportsbook launches its beta product in Massachusetts. The app will be fully available to all Massachusetts bettors soon.
Resources:
Massachusetts sports betting FAQs
Yes. Massachusetts online sports betting is live. A bettor can bet using seven MA mobile betting apps: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET, Barstool Sportsbook and Betr. More are on the way, including Fanatics Sportsbook, which has already launched its beta product in Massachusetts.
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook MA is legal and live. DraftKings Massachusetts does not have a retail location in the state, but the DraftKings mobile betting app is live in Massachusetts.
Yes. If you prefer to place your bets in person, you can do so at three Massachusetts casinos: MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is the regulator for all gambling activity in the state, including sports betting. Any and all MA sports betting sites and platforms must gain approval from the MGC.
No. You do not need to be a Massachusetts resident to use any sportsbook apps or the retail sports gambling facilities in the state. You simply need to be of age and inside the state lines — which includes up to 3 miles off the Massachusetts shore.
No. Each sportsbook app employs geolocation technology to confirm that bettors are within Massachusetts. This technology is quite accurate and is calibrated to err on the side of caution. In other words, it’s more likely you’ll be denied service incorrectly while inside Massachusetts than it is that you’ll be able to place a wager from outside state lines.
Sports fans in Massachusetts have access to plenty of welcome bonuses. Popular types of welcome bonuses include deposit bonuses, bonus bets and first bet insurance. For example, over at Caesars MA, you can get your first losing bet on Caesars refunded up to $1,250 when you click the link on this page.