In early 2023, Massachusš¦¹etts became another state to make sports betting legally available both online and retail. Although thereās still plenty more to come, Massachusetts sports betting is already able to boast many of the industryās top names. So, if youāre from The Bay State and have been waiting to lź¦egally bet on your favorite sports online, the time is now!
- 1 Best Betting Są± ites for Sports Betting in Massachusetts
- 2 Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?
- 3 Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline
- 4 Sportš¼s Betting Revenue & Taxation in Massachusetts
- 5 Top Sportsbooks in Massachusetts
- 6 Massachusetts Sports Betting Apps
- 7 Massachusetts Sports Betting Promotions
- 8 Massachusetts Sports Betting Law & Regulations
- 9 Legal Sportsbooks in Massachusetts
- 10 Popular Sports To Bet on in Massachusetts
- 11 Best Local Sports Teams To Bet on
- 12 Benefits of Regulšated Massachusetts Online Sports Betting
- 13 How To Bet on Sports in Massachusetts
- 14 Massachusetts Sports Betting Facts
- 15 Massachusetts Sports Betting Handle
- 16 Responsible Gaming in Massachusetts
- 17 States With Legal Sports Betting
- 18 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 19 Massachusetts Resources
- 20 Faqs
Best Betting Sites for Sports Betting in Massachusetts
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Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?
šPrior to 2018, online sports betting in general was prohibited on a federal level, but the overturning of PASPA has allowed individual states to determine for themselves whether they wish to offer sports betting.
As of Friday March 10th, 2023, online sports betting Massachusetts was live and legal. Retail sports betting had already beeš¦n launched at the end of January.
This allows for šanyone within the state to bet on sports so long as they are within the state and of the legal age of 21. This includes mobile betting via apps or optimized browser versions of desktop platforms.
This is thanks to the passing of bšill H 5164 ā a compromise bš°etween the house and senate, which looked unlikely to happen right up until they passed their own deadline and came to a decision in the early hours of the morning.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline
1638: The Puritans pass a law banšning all games of chance.
1745: The ban oną¶£ lotteries is overturned to help ą·“King George of England fund a war against France.
1934: Massachusetts Senate Bill 0179 legš¬ališzes par-mutual betting on horse and dog racing.
1993: PASPA is passedš°, essentially outlawing sports betting at a federal level over several years.
2016: Fantasy sports bź§etting is legalized in a temporary law.
2018: PASPA is overturned, opening the door for legšal sports betting in Massachusetts.
2011: The Massachusetš„ts Gaming Commission is established, initially to oversee horse racing.
2022: Bill H. 5164, also known as the Massachusetts Legal Sports Betting Bill, is passed inš ° the early hours of the morning.
2023: Both retail and online Massachšusetts sports bettingš² are launched.
Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Massachusetts
The most recent Massachusetts sports betting update is a positive one, with the licensing of several top global operators and an astronomical surge in state revenue. Their November 2023 Revenue Report states thš¼at there was $48,946,320 of taxable gaming revenue, which comes out at $9,770,754 in tax collected.
Itās no small change and that is thanks to a tax rate of 20% for online licenses and 15% for retail ones. There are staštes with smaller busišness tax rates, but the revenue speaks for itself as a huge success.
Thereās also the tax rate on the gamblers themselves to consider. Whether itās mobile gambling or retail, Massachusetts simply views gambling winnings as another form of income. That means your yearly takings are subject to a flat tax rate based on your income and marital status, with tax rates between 10 and 37%. Gambling losses are deductible.
This process is simplified with form W-2G, which is the easiest way to report your winnings, because if you meet the mandatory reporting thresholds, the operator is required to send both you and the IRS a copy. These minimums include winning more than $600 in one wager or winning more than 300 times your ź§original stake.
Top Sportsbooks in Massachusetts
1. FanDuel ā More Than One Reason To Sign Up
If FanDuel were either solely a great fantasy betting site or the complete traditional sportsbook theyāve become, they would warrant a place on this list. Either way you prefer to bet, they manage to strike a balance between above and beyond usability, complete with tutorials for newcomers, a level of betting depth and options that onšly the elite of the industry can come closše to.
Their odds are competitive and include some quite obscure events in immense depth. Theyāre especially great for pre-selected Parlay options, which cš²an help you craft exciting accas š¼without much effort.
Even if you decide to go with something else, the āParlay Hubā is a wonderful place to spot betting opportunities. And allā¤ of this is just as comprehensively available on either of their fantastic Massachusetts mobile legal sports betting apps.
I canāt imagine any legal sports betting in Massachusetts alternative to have aš± moreš¦ all-embracing appeal.
- Learn and play for free
- Fantastic pre-made Parlays
- Great for fantasy and traditional betting
- Could use more payment options
2. BetMGM ā Immensely Generous at Every Step
Every single operator you see in this list offers some fantastic promotions, so itās no small compliment that Iām singling BetMGM out for their consistent giveaways. Itās not just the massive up to $1,500 welcome bonus if your first bet doesnāt win, but also a promotional page that is working overtime.
Such size and standards are also true of the terrific collection of betting markets available here. Choose from a great mix of American favorites for local spošrts betting in Massachusetts or big international tournaments with live coverage (including livestreaming) available wherever possible.
While the design isnāt quite as easy-breezy as some on this list, itās technically reliable and well structured, so you should find it a delight to use with a small amount of practice. This is especially the case considering that you can choose a version of the site specifically tailored to Massachusetts legal sports betting, thereby putting the most relevant markets and promotions to you at thše forefront.
- Custom-made for Massachusetts
- Tons of rewards
- Great market variety
- Could be a bit more user-friendly in places
3. ESPN BET ā Ideal for Many Bay Staters
ESPN BET, a trusted brand and household name, will have massive appeal to many in the state, and they certainly live up to the hype. Their sports focus may largely be on those already popular in the States, but I know for lots of readers, thatās exactly what theyāre looking for. And on those events, the markets coverage is mammoth and the odds top-tier across the board.
Moreover, the fundamentals are sound, customer service is constant, promotšions are fair and easy to understand, and both mobile and desktop options are very accessible. They even go above and beyond with play-by-play information, using Massachusetts sports betting news and making the most of their TV credļ·½entials.
- Play-by-play adds an extra dimension
- Great variety of odds on many events
- Trusted brand with great reputation
- Not as broad market coverage outside the US
4. Caesars Sportsbook ā An International All-Star
Caesars purchased William Hill back in 2021, which might be how they manage to be so comprehensive when it comes to global markets. If you want to go beyond what is typically offered in Massachusetts or even the States, this is the place to be. Huge sports coverage, big and small events from all across the world, with odds that never drop stļ·½andards.
And these are made even better with a fantastic promotional page. The welcome offers ā¦kick things off with a bang and that is then continued withš§ Caesars Rewards. I donāt think any other legal sports betting in Massachusetts option has so many ways and incentives to play. And the site is as sturdy, beautifully structured, and technically impeccable, making it one of the best sports betting app Massachusetts can provide.
ź§ This is a great site if youāre looking for a true jack of all trades, one without much in the way of gimmicks but just provides a solid betting experience throughout.
- Truly global market options
- Caesars rewards program is terrific
- Mobile app is a delight
- Nothing particularly unique about whatās being offered
5. Fanatics ā A Mobile Marvel
This is a mobile-only operator, so if you prefer to place your bets on a coÜ«mputer, youāll have to go with another option. However, if youāre looking for a Massachusetts sports betting app, thereās arāguably none better.
Theyāve got a massive 4.7 rating on tšhe Apple App Store, and considering the variety of excellent odds on offer as part of a world class, in-depth yet ultra intuitive platform, Iām not surprised. Were this all they provided, that would be enougź¦¬h.
But theyāre also one of the most innovative option Massachusetts sports betting has yet produced, with FanCash providing percentage across various bets, tons of odds boost, and a withdrawal tracker so you can keep on tź¦op of your winnings at every step.
Best of all is the personalized aspect, this sports betting app remembers your habits and provides unique promotions and recommendations just for you.
- Innovative features
- An experience tailored to your preferences
- Interactive and fluid navigation
- Mobile only wonāt suit all
Massachusetts Sports Betting Apps
Massachusetts mobile sports betting is already up there amongst the best places to bet portably in the United States. Thatās šbecause every single one of my favorite operators also have excellent mobile options on both iOS and Android for you to enjoy.
Therefore, if you like to bet on the go, youāll never need to compromise with Massachusetts sports betting apps.
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FanDuel duo of apps: FanDuel go further than any operator in crafting a place where a total newcomer can learn the ropes. And their app not only has those features but also provides an even more intuitive design on both iOS and Android. Plus, thereās no loss of betting options either on the traditional sportsbook ošr the fantasy betting side of things.
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BetMGM is hugely popular whatever your device: Head on over to either the Google Play or Apple App Store and youāll discover that BetMGM provides one of the most acclaimed mobile experiences in Massachusetts. What they offer is simple ā everything that makes their dš¼esktop options great available on a single app without any slowdown.
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Caesars brings the big time to the small screen: Every one of my Massachusetts sports betting recommendations comes with a remarkable number of betting options. Even so, Caesarsā ability to keep everything structurally sound and technically reliable with the sheer number of features, markešts and live options here remains remarkable. Apps are available on both iOS and Android.
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ESPN BET is best on mobile: In my opinion, this is an operator which isnāt just good on iOS and Android mobile apps, but is actually at its peak when played portably. Their features, such as the great statÜ«istics andš play-by-play information, is even better presented for easier access and understanding.
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Fanatics is mobile only, so all the wonderful things I have to say about them in their general review also count for their Massachusetts sports beź§tting apps.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Promotions
The quality and varš iety of options already available in The Bay State is staggering, and one of the things that makes it so interesting is the collection of world-class Massachusetts sports betting promos that are already available. Let's take a look at a couple of my favorites to give you an idea of the type of offers available.
BetMGM: Up to $1500 as a Refund in Bonus Bets If You Donāt Win First Time
Perhaps the best way of thinking about this kind of promotion is that it offers you two opportunities to win your first bet. Because if you fail the first time, youāll be given the stake amount back in a free bet which must be wagered, so essentially you get to try again with $1,500 BetMGM bonus as your maximum.
All thatās required from you is to sign up, download the app, and make a bet of $10 or more. If you lose, the same amount will be given back to you, available for use on both parlays and straight bets within seven days. Great terms and suitability for casual players and big bettors alike make thšis a real standout.
FanDuel: Get Up to $150 When You Bet $5
If youāre feeling optimistic about your initial chances, then this mammoth welcome offer from FanDuel could be perfect. Deposit 10 bucks and make a moneyline wager of $5. If it wins, you receive $150 worth of bonuses aāvailable to use multiple times straight from your bet slip on all markets except round robins. The best betting promotions are those which help you explore a site, and Iād say that $150 for such a small initial deposit and bet perfectly fulfills those criteriaā¦.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Law & Regulations
It's time for all the relevant practicalities. For instance, is sports betting legal in Massachusetts? Absolutely. But there are variables between states, so here are šthe other key things you will want tošø know to ensure youāre not let down by any sports betting apps Massachusetts has to offer.
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Governor Charlie Bakerš signed House Bill No 5164 to legalize and regulateš · online sports betting in Massachusetts on August 10th 2022.
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This does not include any regulation for oą½§nline casinos.
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Retaiāl sports betting launš»ched on January 31st, 2023, while mobile sports betting became legal on March 10th the same year.
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You must be 21 years or older and physically located in the state, as verified by a downloadable desk plugin or geolocatišon tech on your phone, to legally place betš¦s in the state.
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All major professional sports are legal to bet on, as is college betting with theā exception of in-state college teams, which is forbidden.
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Sites are licensed and regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (š„MGC).
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Retail sports betting oš¶utlets have a flat tax rate of 15%, while online operators are taxed at 20%.
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All your sports winnings are subject to Massachusetts sporšts betting tax just like any othāer income. The rate is based on your income and losses are deductible.
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Up to 15 online sports bź¦æettinšøg licenses are currently permitted under Massachusetts law.
Legal Sportsbooks in Massachusetts
Sports betting in Massachusetts may still be in its rookie year but there are already plenty of fantastic places to bet on your favorite sports both online andš in-person. Woną“dering what sports betting apps are legal in Massachusetts right now? Hereās everything we know, alongside the physical locations.
Massachusetts Online & Mobile Sportsbooks
Licensed Massachusetts Sportsbook | Available Online in Massachusetts Now? | Massachusetts Land-Based Partner |
---|---|---|
Caesars | Yes | Raynham Park |
FanDuel | Yes | N/A |
DraftKings | Yes | N/A |
BetMGM | Yes | MGN Springfield |
WynnBET | Yes | Encore Boston Harbor |
ESPN BET | Yes | Plainridge Park Casino |
Betr | Yes | N/A |
Fanatics | Yes | N/A |
Bally Bet | No | N/A |
Betway | No | Belterra Park |
Land-Based Massachusetts Sportsbooks
Sportsbook | Location |
---|---|
Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 |
Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762 |
MGM Springfield | One MGM Wy, Springfield, MA 01103 |
Popular Sports To Bet on in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state of truly versatile sporting tastes. A mixture of American and international sports are part and parcel of their cultural make-upš¼. Iāve selected three of theź©µ most popular to provide just a small example, including events specific promotions, from Massachusetts sports betting sites.
Ice Hockey
Aside from the immensely popular and successful Boston Bruins, Massachusetts is also one of the great American states for emerging hockey talent with several majšor college ice hockey teams calling āThe Bay State homeā. These may not be available to bet on (no in-state college teams betting is allowed according to the Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill) but it showcases the passion Massachusetts has for hockey at all levels.
American Football
There arenāt many states in which American Football is not considered one of the most popular. This is especially so in Massachusetts though, where the New England Patriots inspires a huge passionate fandom, and lower league games are also often packed to the rafters. Itās great to be ašn American football fan from a betting perspective too, with many of the biggest and most generous promotions being available on the likšes of the SuperBowl and various big NFL conference confrontations.
Baseball
If youāre looking for something a little bit different to bet on through your personal pick for the best sports betting app Massachusetts has to offer, baseball is an ideal choice. For starters, itās massively popular in Massachusetts with many minor league teams shoring up the leftover enthusiasm in between outings from the iconic Boston Red Sox, which means tons of markets at all kinds of levels. Itās also a sport with a slower pace than many other popular options, ideal for strategic live betting and over/under markets thanks tāo its hią¹gh scoring nature.
Best Local Sports Teams To Bet on
Itās only the professional Massachusetts teams you can bet on as there are additional rules for in-state college teams. The good news here is that this great sporting state is a major player across several top-tier professional leagues. For instance, legalizšź¦°ed sports betting Massachusetts can allow you to bet on the following thrilling local sports teams.
Boston Red Sox
While they might not be at their peak right now, The Boston Red Sox have made their legacy with historic comebacks, and you know that rapid fan base will be waiting to cheer for them when they do. They are, after all, the nine-time World Series Championships winners, icons and legends of the sport who dominated several genź¦erations of baseball.
New England Patriots
Iād never make assumptions about the potential of the New England Patriots. Most would assume they would never recapture their 1960/70s heyday but three SuperBowl Championships in a five-year span between 2014-2018 showed that their history making potential is limitless. Thatās why, even in the bad times (and 2023 has š“been just that), they are always worthy of šŖyour attention.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a force to be reckoned with every NBA season. Consider for instance, their Conference title in 2022 and Division titles in 2022 and 2023 (they lost to the Golden State Warriors in a nerve-shredding showdown at the 2022 NBA Finals) as recent examples of their accolades. Every season and in every game, they are contenders to win the whole thing, and that makes for a thrilling team to bet on.
Benefits of Regulated Massachusetts Online Sports Betting
With legalized sports betting in Massachusetts becoming a reality, there are plenty of benefits for those sports fans in the Bay State looking to place wagers. Below are five key difference of legal Massachusetts sports betting today to showcase how far the industrį¦y in the state has come in a short amount of time.
1. Your Personal Safety
If you choose to bet online in a state where gambling is illegal, then you are either obscuring your location from the operator or that betting site is operating illegally. Either way, shošuld there be any dispute regarding payouts, you will have virtually no ability to attempt to retrieve those funds since you have wagered them outside the confines of the law.
Furthermore, a site that is already operating without a license is much more likely to lack in security, including the absence of encryption, having unfair or dishonest terms, and in general ways in which you could find yourself ripped off. Only ever use legal sports betting Massachusetts sites.
2. A Focus on Massachusetts Sports
An additional benefit to the Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill is that there are betting sites which are focused solely on providing the best online gaming experience possible for the people of that jurisdiction. This means thereās more coverage of local sports and competitions, with competitive odds.
3. No Need for Cryptocurrency
As mentioned, without the Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill, your options were limited. Most people in an illegal gambling state who wish to circumvent the law do so with cryptocurrency betting. And sites which offer crypto can be excellent, but it certainly isnāt for everyone, and the ability to play with the American dollar massively broadens their appeal.
4. Promotional Access
Another problem with using betting sites youāre not legally supposed to is that youāre probably going to be locked out of all the promotions. Well, since sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, it includes full access to a huge selection of bonus offers tailored specifically to your jurisdiction.
5. Still More To Come
Because itās still such early days, itās important to note that we havenāt seen every operatoš³r, promotion or benefit that will come from legalizatź¦ion. And that, in itself, is another reason to be excited for the future of Massachusetts online sports betting!
How To Bet on Sports in Massachusetts
Betting online in Massachusetts is both legal and easy. Hereās allš you need to know, step by step, to get started legally betting on your favoārite sports.
Step One: Research Your Options
There are currently eight sportsbooks for you to choose from, with a couple more on the way, but itās still a small enough number for you to check them oą¦ut and see š¼which best suits your play style. I recommend you start with my picks as I think they represent the best the state has to offer right now.
Step Two: Register With Whatever Best Suits Your Play Style
Found the right one for you? Time to register.š¦¹ This should be a standard form, and some might even allow you to sign up using your Google or social šmedia accounts. If not, just fill in the basic information, confirm your age and that you accept the terms, and youāre good to go.
Step Three: Add Some Funds
Some, like FanDuel, might actually let you play for free to try them out, and no-deposit offers are possible. However, if you do need to add funds, nowās the time to do it. If you think you still might change your mind, then make sure that you only deposit a small amount to start off with. This is generally done by choosing a payment method on a deposit page, filling out the relevant info, and confirming the amount you wish to add. Most methods are instant.
Step Four: Select a Market
Now, it's š½time to scour the betting markets available and cšøhoose one you wish to bet on.
Step Five: Place Your Bet
Once one is found, youāllš· generally have to click the odds što add them to your bet slip. You can then add how much you wish to bet, and the returns will be made clear to you. If youāre happy with whatās offered, confirm your bet.
You can withdraw your winnings by again providing some simple payment info and telling them how much you wish to take out. Withdrawal can take up to a week depending on the payment method.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Facts
Launch date | March 10th, 2023 |
Legal age | 21 |
Retail betting | Yes |
Online sports betting | Yes |
Esports betting | No |
College betting | Yes (but no in-state college betting) |
Mobile betting | Yes |
Taxable winnings | All winnings are taxable |
Geolocation services | Yes |
Regulator | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
Massachusetts Sports Betting Handle
The Bay State is looking at a huge sports betting handle for 2023 with well over $3 billion bet so far. Total revenue based on the most recent information I could find was $3,673,884,253, which amounts to $71,959,964. It will be higher than that when all is said and done in 2023, especially when you consider that the biggest Massachusetts sports betting handle came at $654.4 million wagered on sports in November ā up 12% from the previous month.
This is believed to in part be down to the addition oā¤f ESPN BET to the lineup of operators, which means that higher handles are likely as more betting šsites join an already star-studded selection.
Responsible Gaming in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill made it clear that responsible gaming would be taken very seriously as part of ongoing legšÆislation and the provision of licenses.
For instance, the Massachuāsetts Gaming Commission utilizes a framework to commit to corporate social responsibility, support positive play, ensure responsš ŗible marketing, carefully manage high-risk financial transactions; it promotes public health and safety in the retail environments, engages the community and commits to ongoing improvement and reporting.
What this means on a practical level is that every operator you utilize should have a serious responsible gaming policy. This may include links to the likes of the , and the , alšongside practical tools such as time-outs, deposit limits and reality checks.
States With Legal Sports Betting
Iām happy to say that if youāre a US citizen, you are more likely to be in a jurisdiction where sports betting is legal than not. The current total stands at over 30 states offering legal betting, asš you can see from the full list of legal sports betting states below:
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Itās great to see that a great sporting state like Massachusetts finally has legal access to sportsbooks worthy of this historic slice of New England. The operators that have already jumped in to take advantage of sports betting in Massachusetts are some of the finesź¦°t globally.
Having taken a closer look, itās clear they are doingā everything they can to make their Massachusetts offering as compelling as possible. This means competitive odds, great platforms (includiāØng magnificent mobile options), top-tier customer service, plus exciting and generous promotions. Things will surely get even better, but I can recommend finding one that suits you right now.
Massachusetts Resources
Faqs
Sports betting is already legal in the state of Massachusetts, including both retail and mošbile options, as of March 10th, 2023.
As of now, there are licenses for Caesars, FanDuel, Drafą¼ŗtź¦°Kings, BetMGM, WynnBet, ESPN BET, Betr, Fanatics, Bally Bet, and Betway. Do note, however, that the latter two have not yet launched at the time of writing.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversees all legal online betting and licensing in Massachusetāts.
Right nowš°, you can bet online at FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, WynnBet, ESPN BET, Betr, Fanatics, and Caesars. You can bet in person at the retail locations Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield.
Any resident over the age of 21 in Massachusetts is legally able to bet on sports so long as š°they are in that jurisdiction when the bet is placed.