Did you know that online sports betting is now fully regulated and legal in Massachusetts? The industry launched in 2023 and interest has been steadily increasing ever since.
Finding the best online sportsbooks can initially be overwhelming, with some players unsure about where to begin. Betting without understanding how online sportsbooks work in the state can lead to disappointing encounters and even lost money. That’s why we’re here!
Once you know the ins and outs of Massachusetts sports betting, you can find a safe and secure online provider to frequent.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover the best online sportsbooks Massachusetts has to offer.
- Learn all about betting online legally in Massachusetts.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?
Sports betting regulation in the US is left to individual states. This means that while some states do not offer legal betting, some of them have thriving sports wagering industries. Massachusetts is one of the latter. Sports fans in Massachusetts can bet on sports both in person at brick-and-mortar establishments and online at approved internet-based operators.
In 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed Massachusetts House Bill No. 5164. Also known as ‘An Act to Regulate Sports Wagering’, Bill 5164 made sports betting legal in the state and placed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) in charge of overseeing the industry.
In January 2023, retail betting launched in the state. In March of that same year, online betting made its debut. Massachusetts sports betting sites burst onto the scene in quick succession.
Overall, the legalization of Massachusetts sports betting has been fairly straightforward. It has joined the other legal sports betting states in the US without much subsequent controversy or difficulty at all, and the online betting industry continues to attract interest from in-state players.
10 Quick Facts About Massachusetts Sports Betting Laws
From the legal Massachusetts sports betting age to the name of the Massachusetts sports betting bill, here are 10 things you need to know about Massachusetts sports betting!
- Massachusetts’ law: The name of Massachusetts’ gambling law, signed into effect in 2022 by then-Governor Charlie Baker, is ‘An Act to Regulate Sports Wagering’ (House Bill No. 5164). The law is also referred to as ‘Chapter 23N’, or ‘Mass. General Laws c.23N – Authorization and Regulation of Sports Wagering’.
- Legal age: The legal sports betting age in Massachusetts is 21. Bettors must be at least this old to wager. If you are under 21 and attempt to gamble either online or at retail locations, you are breaking the law and might be subject to criminal consequences.
- State borders: Massachusetts shares borders with five states and one ocean. New Hampshire and Vermont border the state to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean lies along its eastern side. New York is located to its west, and Rhode Island and Connecticut lie along the southern border. All surrounding states also offer sports betting in some capacity.
- Retail bookmakers: Anyone interested in in-person sports betting in Massachusetts can pick from four retail locations: BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, and Penn Sports Interactive. BetMGM is located inside MGM Springfield, Caesars is located inside Encore Boston Harbor, and both Fanatics and Penn Sports are located inside Plainridge Park Casino.
- Taxes: If you bet in Massachusetts, expect to pay income tax on your winnings. We explain tax law in the state in more detail elsewhere in the article, but for now, just note that the money you win isn’t ‘free’. The IRS lays claim to at least a small portion of it.
- Credit cards: While you can link your bank account to your online sports betting account in Massachusetts and transfer funds freely using your debit card, you cannot use credit cards to deposit money.
- One bet, two different ways: Did you know that you can wager both online and in person in Massachusetts? You can visit retail bookmakers such as the ones we described in #4, or you can bet from the comfort of your home at your favorite online sportsbook (more on that later).
- College teams: Betting on college sports is sometimes permitted during tournaments, but in general, in-state Massachusetts bettors will need to stick to professional leagues.
- In good company: Massachusetts joins the ranks of roughly 30 other states (at the time of writing) to allow legal sports betting.
- Secure your funds: When you bet with sportsbooks regulated by the state of Massachusetts, you can bet with the knowledge that your money is in safe hands. If necessary, the state’s gaming rules help bettors collect their winnings.
How to Bet on Sports in Massachusetts
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts? It is, and getting started is easy! Finding the right operator and placing a bet might seem daunting, but don’t worry – the process isn’t nearly as difficult as you might imagine. In fact, we think that you’ll find your feet in no time.
To help you out along the way, we’ve pulled together a quick overview of the betting process in MA.
- First, pick your online sports betting operator. If you don’t have a favorite provider yet, don’t worry. We’ll go over some of the most popular and trustworthy options just a bit later.
- Once you have your operator of choice in mind, sign up for an account and take a look at the events available for wagering. More specifically, pick your sport, team, and (if applicable) players.
- Decide how much money you want to wager, and then fill in the requested information. Submit the bet, and you’re all set. That’s it!
I remember my first online bet on a New England Patriots game (after being a massive fan all my life). It was equal parts exhilarating and daunting. It’s normal to be a little nervous when sending your money into cyberspace, but as long as you pick a trustworthy provider, your information is secure and safe.
Personally, I soon got over these nerves and enjoyed the exciting opportunities that sports betting in Massachusetts offers.
Top Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites and Apps
What sports betting apps are legal in Massachusetts? If you’re on the hunt for a safe, secure, and worthwhile online sports betting provider, then you’re in luck. We’re going to break down the top three Massachusetts sports betting apps and sites to help you find the right choice.
DraftKings Sportsbook
- Welcome Offer: Up to $150 in bonus bets
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Wagering Requirement: Place a bet of $5 on any eligible market
DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Massachusetts in March 2023, the same time that online sports wagering in the state launched. With a wide variety of American sports as well as a healthy selection of international leagues, DraftKings is an excellent choice for the sports betting connoisseur.
It also offers fantasy sports betting, which makes it a good choice even for fans of more unconventional markets.
FanDuel Sportsbook
- Welcome Offer: Up to $200 in bonus funds
- Minimum Deposit: $5
- Wagering Requirement: Place a bet of $5 on any eligible market
FanDuel Sportsbook has been licensed and regulated in Massachusetts since March 2023, just like DraftKings. The provider offers a similar number of markets, though its initial Massachusetts sports betting promos are a bit more robust.
We especially enjoy FanDuel’s fully featured app, making it easy for players across the state to connect.
BetMGM
- Welcome Offer: Up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets
- Minimum Deposit: $10
- Wagering Requirement: Place a qualifying wager of a maximum of $1,500
BetMGM Sportsbook has been one of the top Massachusetts sports betting apps since 2023, placing it neck and neck with both FanDuel and DraftKings. BetMGM differs from them in that it offers both MGM rewards and sportsbook-specific perks.*
*This means that users can earn rewards for any of the casino chain’s impressive MGM Resorts and also take part in exclusive offers aimed directly at sportsbook users. Reduced room rates are a popular MGM reward type, while payout boosts are fan-favorite Massachusetts sports betting bonuses.
Popular Sports and Teams in the Massachusetts Betting Scene
One of the reasons that Massachusetts sports betting is so popular is the state’s thriving sports industry. From amateur athletics to professional teams, there is a lot for sports fans to love.
More specifically, teams from Massachusetts have won:
- Six Stanley Cups (Boston Bruins)
- 10 World Series (one Atlanta Braves, nine Boston Red Sox)
- Six Super Bowls (New England Patriots)
- 17 NBA Championships (Boston Celtics)
Fun fact: Did you know that Massachusetts is also home to the Volleyball Hall of Fame and the Basketball Hall of Fame?
The state hosts prestigious sports events, including the Cape Cod Baseball League and the Boston Marathon. Add to this the great number of NCAA Division 1 members in the state, such as Boston College, Harvard University, and Boston University, among several others, and you have a veritable sports mecca for fans of all kinds.
With so many excellent teams in the state, which are the most popular sports teams in Massachusetts? There are a few teams that rise above the rest across many sports:
- Baseball: The Boston Red Sox are probably the most popular baseball team in the area.
- Football: The New England Patriots take the crown for football teams, with 45% of New Englanders ranking them as their favorite sports team.
- Basketball: The Boston Celtics are undoubtedly the top pick for basketball, with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum proving popular players among fans.
- Ice hockey: The Boston Bruins are beloved by Massachusetts ice hockey fans.
- Soccer: The New England Revolution are also top picks for locals and international fans alike.
Sports fans in Massachusetts are known for being especially vocal about their local heroes. A host of quotes from Celtics fans collected around the 2024 NBA Finals illustrate this quite well:
People always ask me ‘what do the Boston Celtics do for you.’ The Boston Celtics gives me what money can’t buy!!
Ford, a Celtics ‘super fan’
This is our year, especially if Porzingis is healthy, this is our year.
An unnamed fan
Now that you know a bit more about the local sporting scene in Massachusetts, you might have a more in-depth understanding of why the launch of the online betting industry in the state is such a big deal. Fans across the region are excited to check in and follow their favorites avidly, dropping bets here and there along the way.
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
As you might imagine, the successes or lackluster team performances in any given sports season have an impact on local MA betting. Teams that do well tend to have much more bettor interest around championships and tournaments, leading to an increased amount of betting.
Example: In 2019, the New England Patriots took home their seventh Super Bowl win. The Patriots’ performance during the 2018-2019 season led to a veritable frenzy of bets not only on the big game but also on other games throughout the season.
Conversely, poor performance or poor draft picks negatively impact betting trends. Bill Simmons, a well-known Massachusetts pundit, had the following to say about the team’s 2024 team additions:
I’m trying to figure out what the Patriots are doing… They don’t have a future QB. They don’t have a left tackle. They don’t have an impact receiver.
Their only above-average skill position guy is Rhamondre Stevenson, who’s not even a top-10 running back. They’re a D+ offense. New coach. They’re the cheapest team in the last 10 years for spending.
Bill Simmons
How will these comments affect sports betting in Massachusetts? Given Simmons’ popularity in the region, bettors will likely be cautious at first when wagering on games until the team demonstrates some level of success.
If their performance throughout the season is solid, however, interest surrounding big games will likely increase rapidly.
Upcoming Events
Are you interested in the local Massachusetts betting scene? With so many popular teams and successful franchises in the state, there is always something going on! Here are some of our favorite upcoming events for Massachusetts sports fans.
Are There More Gambling Options in Massachusetts?
Even beyond mobile sports betting, Massachusetts has a lot to offer gambling fans in general. There are a number of additional betting options open for wagering at different times of the year:
- The Massachusetts State Lottery: This is a state-sponsored lottery that was launched in 1971 and includes jackpots such as Mega Millions and in-house games. Money spent playing lotto games is treated as revenue for the state’s general fund. Players can only play lotto games in person.
- Casino gambling: While online casino gambling in Massachusetts remains elusive, the state offers residents several options for retail/in-person casino gambling. There are four main retail locations where players can gamble. Table games and slots are the most popular casino games among Massachusetts players.
- Horse racing: Betting on horse racing is available at Plainridge Racecourse, the state’s only active racetrack.
Maximizing Your Bets
Now you know where to bet, but do you know how to maximize your bets? In this section, we’ll cover tips and strategies for making bets, as well as what you need to know about taxes and payouts in Massachusetts sports betting.
Tips and Strategies for Massachusetts Bettors
If you hope to increase your Massachusetts sports betting revenue and maximize your bets, the first thing you have to master is the art of making an effective wager. It all begins with research.
Questions to ask include:
- How familiar are you with the team you want to bet on?
Look into not just how the team in question has done historically in events similar to the one you want to bet on, but also into season-specific trends. - How have players been performing this season?
Compare this with the previous season’s performance.
I’ve definitely been poised to make a wager based on my long-term knowledge of a team, only to realize that their last few matches have shaken things up considerably.
Once you know the team and their players, take a look at the industry’s current odds. Teams that are favored by the community (teams most likely to win) have odds denoted by a ‘-‘ sign, while underdogs have a ‘+’. The numbers behind these signs either subtract or add to the total score. This impacts your likelihood of winning your wager.
Example: If Team One, the favorite to win, is listed at -15 odds, then they must win by at least 16 points for you to win your wager.
Let’s say that the underdog, Team Two, is listed at +15 odds to win. This means that they must win outright (by any number) or lose by less than 15 points for you to win. Betting on the underdog has the potential for more impressive results, but only if you know enough about the team to assess their potential for a win.
Are you wondering how to get better at sports betting? We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you maximize your bet potential.
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
Did you know that winning wagers are taxable? As with nearly everything else in life, the IRS requires MA residents to pay a certain portion of their earnings.
While tax laws can be complex, and it is always advisable to speak with a professional when filing your taxes, in general, Massachusetts sports betting taxes stand at 5% of wagering winnings. Note that the words ‘wagering winnings’ are important.
Massachusetts doesn’t tax wagering profits, but rather wagering winnings.
Example: If you win $500 but lose $1,000 in a given fiscal year, your profit is -$500. You lost more than you won.
With some exceptions, you will still have to pay a 5% tax on your winnings in Massachusetts even if your overall outcome is a net loss. Sports betting taxes require a bit of time to understand completely, but in general, you can expect to pay at least 5% regardless of the amount you win.
If you win more than $5,000, your sportsbook is required to withhold 24% of the sum in addition to the 5% income tax required in the state. It should also give you a Form W-2G to document both the win and the amount of money it kept.
What About Physical Sports Betting Locations?
In Massachusetts, there are four ‘tethered licensees’ – operators offering sports betting sites tied to land-based casinos – regulated by the state to choose from.
Physical Sports Betting Sites in Massachusetts:
- BetMGM — the MGM Springfield casino
- Caesars Sportsbook — the Plainridge Park Casino
- Fanatics Betting & Gaming — the Plainridge Park Casino
- Penn Sports Interactive — the Encore Boston Harbor
Encore Boston Harbor has a great many fans across the country, with one TripAdvisor user declaring:
Of the major casinos in the northeast, this one is my favorite. It’s smaller seemingly than Mohegan and Foxwoods, but far more luxurious. If you’re looking for a more elevated experience and the quality of the room is important, Encore Boston Harbor is far better than the others in my opinion.
Review from Trip Advisor
If a luxurious and trustworthy retail sports betting location in Massachusetts is your goal, then Caesars might be your best bet. With that said, you really can’t go wrong with any of the four MA physical operators we listed.
So, Will You Bet from Massachusetts Tonight?
At this point, we hope that you have a better understanding of how online sports betting in Massachusetts works. It might seem intimidating at first, but betting on your favorite team is actually pretty straightforward.
Now that you have the basics down, you can consider placing a wager on the next big game! Would you like to learn more about betting in the best conditions? Check out our page on the best Massachusetts Sportsbook promos.