In early 2023, Massachusetts became another state to make sports betting legally available both online and retail. Although thereās still plenty more to come, Massachš usetts sports betting is already able to boast many of the industryās top names. So, if youāre from The Bay State aą²nd have been waiting to legally bet on your favorite sports online, the time is now!
- 1 Best Betting Sites for Sports Betting in šMassachusetts
- 2 Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?
- 3 Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline
- 4 Sš°ports 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 ą²Benefits of Regulated 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
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?
Prź¦ior 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 š¦offer sports betting.
As of Friday March 10th, 2023, online sports betting Massachusetts was live and legal. Retail sports bettą¼ing had already beenš launched at the end of January.
This allows for anyone within the state to bet on sports so long as ą¼they are within the state and of the legal age of 21. This includes mobile betting via apps or optimized browser versions of desktop platforms.
Thisš is thanks to the passing of bill H 5164 ā a compromise between the house and senate, which looked unlikely to happen rigļ·ŗht 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 Puritš¼ans pass a law banning all games of chance.
1745: Theš¦¹ ban on lotą¶£teries is overturned to help King George of England fund a war against France.
1934: Māassachusetts Senate Bill 0179 legalizes par-mutual betting on horse and dog š¦racing.
1993: PASPA is passed, essentially outlawing ļ·½sports betting at a federal level over several years.
2016: Fantasy sports betting is legalized in ašÆ temporary law.
2018: PASPA is overturned, opening š»the door šøfor legal sports betting in Massachusetts.
2011: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is established, initially to ošversee horse racing.
2022: Bill H. 5164, also known as the Massāachusetts Legal Sports Betting Bill, is passed in the early hours of the morning.
2023: Both retail and onliāne Massachusetts sports betting are ź¦launched.
Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Massachusetts
The most recent Massachusetts sports betting update is a positive one, wą½§ith the licensing of several top global operators and an astronomical surge in state revenue. Their November 2023 Revenue Report states that there was $48,946,320 of taxable gaming revenue, whichš 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 states with smaller business tax rates, but the revāenue speaks for ištself 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 oršø winning more than 300 times your 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 optionsš thš§øat only the elite of the industry can come close to.
Thešir odds are competitive and include some quite obscure events in immense depth. Theyāre especially great for pre-selected Parlay options, which can help you craft exciting accas without much effort.
Even if you decide to go with something else, the āParlay Hubā is a wonderful place to spot betting opportunities. Anź¦d all of this is just as comprehensivšely available on either of their fantastic Massachusetts mobile legal sports betting apps.
I canāt imagine any legal sports betting inš Massachusetts alternative to have a more 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 sports betting in Massachusetts or big internationašøl 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 bš¦©etting, thereby putting the most relevant markets andā promotions to you at the 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, promotions are fair and easy to understand, and both mobile and desktop options are very accessible. They even go above and beyond with plź¦”ay-by-play information, using Massachusetts sports betting news and making š“the most of their TV credentials.
- 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 anš ·d small events from all across the world, withš“ odds that never drop standards.
And these are made even better with a fantastic promotional page. The welcome offers kick things off wą“ith a bang and that is then continued with 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 Massachš„usetts can provide.
This is a gršeat site if youāre looking for a true jack of all trades, one without much in the way of gimmicks but jusšt 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 computer, youāll have to go with another option. However, if youāre looking for a Massachusetts sšports betting app, thereās arguably none better.
Theyāve got a massive 4.7 rating on the Apple App Store, and cšÆonsidering 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 enough.
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, aź¦Æź¦¦nd a withdrawal tracker so you can keep on top 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
MassachšÆusetts mobile sports betting is already up there amongst the best places to bet portably in the Uniš¦©ted States. Thatās because 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 spš½ortsbook or the fantasy bettingš° 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 Maź¦ ssachusetts. What they offer is simple ā everything that makes their desktop options great availaš ble 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, markź¦ets and live options here remains remš arkable. 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 statistšics and 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 šalso count for their Massachusetts sports betting apps.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Promotions
The quality and variety of options alršeady 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 ź¦bettors alike make this 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 available 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 thašt $150 for such a small initial deposit and bet perfectly fulfills thoąµ©se criteria.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Law & Regulations
It's time for all the relevant practicalities. For instance, is sports betting šlegal in Massachusetts? Absolutely. But there are variables between states, so here are the other key things you will want to know to ensure youāre not let down by any sports bš§etting apps Massachusetts has to offer.
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Governor Charlie Baš ker signed House Bill No 5164 to legalize and regulate online sports betting in Masšsachusetts on August 10th 2022.
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This does not include any regulation forā online casinos.
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Retail sports betting launched on January 31st, 2023, whiš³le mobile sports beštting 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, ź§as verified by a downloadable desk plugin or geolocation tech on your phone, to legally place bets in the state.
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All major professionalź¦ sports are legal to bet on, as is college betting with the exception of in-state college teams, which is forbidden.
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Sites are licensedā and regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).
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Retail spošÆrts betting outlešts 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 sports betting tax just like any other income. The rate is based on š¤Ŗyour income and losses are deductible.
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Up to 15 online sports betting licenses are currš„ently perā mitted 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 and in-person. Wonź¦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-up. Iāve selected three of the most popular to provide just a small example, including events specific promotions, from Massachusetts sports betting siį©į©į©į©į©į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©š±į©į©į©tes.
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 major college ice hockeyź§ teams calling āThe Bay State homāeā. 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 gameź¦s are also often packed to the rafters. Itās great to be an American football fan from a betting perspective too, with many of the biggest and most generous promotions being available on the likes 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 manyź©² other popular options, ideal fāor strategic live betting and over/under markets thanks to its high 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 pź¦ŗlayer across several top-tier professional leagues. For instance, legalized 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 generšations of basešball.
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 been just that), they are alwayš§s worthy of your 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 plšenty 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 industry in the state has come in a short amount of š¦¹time.
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, should there be any dispute regarding payouts, you will have virtually no ability to attempt to retrieve those fundsš 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 operator, promotion or benefit šthat will come from legalization. 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 all you need to know, step by step, to get started legally betting on your favorite spoārts.
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 out and see which best suits your play style. I recommend you start with my picks as I think they represš¼ent 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. This shouldš” be a standard form, and some might even allow you to sign up using your Google or social media 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
Nź¦ow, it's time to scour the betting markets availabš³le and choose one you wish to bet on.
Step Five: Place Your Bet
Once one is found, youāll generally have to click the odds to 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 offāered, 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 beš down to the addition of ESPN BET to the lineup of operators, which means that higher handles are likely as more betting sites 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 legislation and the provisioź©²n of licenses.
For instance, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission utilizes a framework to commit to corporate social responsibility, support positive play, ensure responsible marketing, carefully manage high-risk financial transactions; it promotes public health and safety in the ršetail 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 , alongside practical tools such as time-oź¦uts, deposit limź§its 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, as you can see from the full list of legal sporź§ ts bettāing states below:
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Itšās 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 finest globally.
Having taken a closer look, itās clear they are doing everything they can to make their Massachusetts offering asź¦ compelling as possible. This means competitive odds, great platforms (including magnificent mobile options), top-tier customer š 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
āSports betting is already legal in the state of Massachusetts, including both retail and mobile options, as of March 10th, 2023.
As of now, there are licenses for Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, 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 writinš½g.
The Massachusetts Gš aming Commission oversees all legal online betting and licensing in Massachusetts.
Right now, 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 Pašrk Casino, MGM Springfield.
Any resident over the age of 21 in Massachusettź¦°s is legally able to bet on sports so long as they are in that jurisdiction when the bet is placed.