Massachusetts Sports Betting

Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

Sports betting is legal in Massachusetts. Retail sports betting went live on January 31, 2023 in three brick-and-mortar locations across the state. Online sports betting followed suit on March 10, 2023. Prior to the 'Go Live' date, Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) had approved licences for 10 online sportsbooks – Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Betr, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, WynnBET – while PointsBet had a licence application approved but subsequently withdrew their interest. There is potential for up to 15 mobile operators to be active in the state, while the state’s three racetracks are also able to apply for retail sportsbook licenses. Online sportsbooks will be taxed at 20% of revenue and retail sportsbooks at 15%.

Former Governer Charlie Baker was responsible for legalising sports betting in Massachusetts when he signed HB 5164 on August 10, 2022. This action followed a dramatic chain of events whereby the state’s House Speaker Ronald Mariano announced a last-minute sports betting deal had been passed on August 1, 2022. The announcement came at around 5.15am, more than five hours after the legislative rules called for formal sessions to end for the year. HB 5164 passed the Senate by a vote of 36-4. Despite Gov. Baker’s public support for sports betting, there were almost 30 failed attempts prior to HB 5164 passing.

Read our detailed guide to learn the latest on Massachusetts sports betting, including the current sports betting legislation, advice on how to wager legally, and a breakdown of the state’s sports teams.

Massachusetts Online Sportsbooks Summary

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission have awarded 10 mobile sports betting licenses as of March 10, 2023 (the 'Go Live' date for online sports wagering) and Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBET were all ready to take wagers from day one in MA.

WynnBET was the first operator to secure their licence, having already held existing ties to the state through the Encore Boston Harbor Casino. BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook followed shortly after before Barstool Sportsbook announced their successful license application. The latter is run by Penn National Gaming, who operate Plainridge Park Casino.

Fanatics Sportsbook were next to announce their participation in the MA sports betting market, before the MGC awarded Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet temporarily untethered Category 3 licenses to allow them to take bets once the launch date was confirmed. Fanatics and Betway subsequently announced they would not be ready to take part in the initial online sports betting launch in Massachusetts, and PointsBet later withdrew from the application process completely.

Caesars, DraftKings and FanDuel announced pre-launch registration offers where new users could secure between $100 and $200 in bonus bets on sign-up, while BetMGM and WynnBET followed suit shortly after.

With online sports betting now live, there is still scope for five more sportsbooks to launch in Massachusetts, meaning a hyper-competitive market providing plenty of choice for MA bettors.

Meanwhile, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are available in Massachusetts. In fact, MA was the birthplace of DFS giant DraftKings. You can also use other DFS brands like ESPN, Boom, Yahoo!, FantasyDraft, and FanDuel. Online horse racing betting is available with operators like TVG and TwinSpires.

How Does Massachusetts Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Considering the sportsbooks launching in Massachusetts, bettors will have access to a full range of markets for professional sports. Top operators like DraftKings and BetMGM provide various bets on the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. You’ll also find betting lines on lots of niche markets like European soccer, MMA, and NASCAR.

Massachusetts have banned in-state college sports betting and player props wagers, which mirrors Virginia restrictions. However, MA bettors are able to wager on in-state college teams playing in the postseason.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Bettors in Massachusetts have some of the most competitive betting odds and prices available at their fingertips. While many sportsbooks provide improved odds on local teams and competitions, the wide array of MA major league teams is bound to bring about lucrative sportsbook promos in Massachusetts.

In addition, top brands like BetMGM and DraftKings have local ties in the state which results in favorable odds and prices. A BetMGM sports lounge has opened at MGM Springfield Casino. DraftKings, meanwhile, is the official betting partner of the Boston Bruins and offers generous odds on every NHL game. The brand is also the DFS partner for the Boston Red Sox and provides MLB promotions and generous betting lines throughout the season.

• Gambling Revenue

Massachusetts sportsbooks pay 20% tax on online sports betting revenue and 15% tax on retail sports betting revenue. One other state in the US has a 20% tax on online sportsbooks – Tennessee. Both jurisdictions are home to around seven million people and support major league franchises. As of June 2022, Tennessee has handled $4,882,485,912 in wagers, and sportsbooks have taken $420,974,224 in revenue. The Volunteer State has taken $70,113,474 in taxes. Massachusetts’ sports betting market can expected to generate a similar figure, if not more, considering MA has also legalized retail sports betting.

• Betting Taxes

Sports bettors in Massachusetts have to pay tax on sports betting winnings and declare all winnings to the IRS. If you win over $600, you must complete a W-2G form. Sportsbooks can withhold up to 25% of winnings as tax. You must also include your betting winnings in your state income tax return. Massachusetts has a 6.25% flat rate state income tax.

Sportsbooks must also pay a 0.25% excise tax on each month’s betting handle following the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, operators need to pay $50 for every employee involved in taking wagers.

How to Place a Bet in Massachusetts

Online sports betting has arrived in Massachusetts. Follow our step-by-step guide to registering with MA sportsbooks below to get signed up and wagering now that the market has launched:

1. Choose one of the online sportsbooks that has launched in Massachusetts.

2. Many sportsbooks have mobile apps you can download by visiting the operator’s mobile browser site. Alternatively, you can go to your Apple or Android app store when these MA betting apps are released.

3. Enter your full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register an account. You may also need to create a password and answer security questions.

4. Visit the sportsbook’s cashier section and choose a payment method for depositing your money. You can add as much as you want, but ensure you are depositing enough to meet the minimum deposit requirements of the sportsbook’s welcome offer.

5. Look through your sportsbook’s markets and choose a betting line. Add it to your bet slip, where you can select your stake and place the wager.

6. If your bet wins, return to the sportsbook’s cashier section and follow its instructions to make a withdrawal.

7. You must verify your identity before withdrawing to avoid fraud and underage gambling. Send copies of documents like your photo ID and proof of address to the sportsbook.

Who is Not Eligible to Bet in MA?

Massachusetts betting is available to anyone who is at least 21 years old. Online betting is also only available if you are physically located within the state. However, individuals who meet any of the criteria below are prohibited from sports betting:

• Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports and college teams.

• Referees for professional and college sports leagues.

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

• Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NFL, NCAA).

• Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.

• Individuals with non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals employed by organizations with licensing from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, including key staff, owners, directors, and officers.

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

Massachusetts Sports Betting Background

Ever since the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA, Massachusetts has been trying to legalize sports betting. Lawmakers submitted multiple bills in 2019, but none received major support. 2021 saw 23 different sports betting bills on file in the House and Senate, with HB 3988 gaining the most traction. However, efforts to pass this in the Senate were derailed by a budget surplus, with Senate President Karen Spilka announcing five issues of higher priority.

HB 5164 almost didn’t pass due to lawmakers’ different opinions on college sports betting. In the final bill, in-state college sports betting is banned unless a team reaches the postseason. Prop bets for college sports are also banned.

Timeline for Sports Betting in Massachusetts

• March 10, 2023: Online sports betting goes live in Massachusetts at 10am ET.

• March 8, 2023: Reports suggest Betr will not go live when the Massachusetts online sports betting market launches, leaving six operators – Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and WynnBet – set to accept wagers from launch date.

• March 7, 2023: BetMGM partners with the Boston Red Sox, allowing the operator a sportsbook presence at Fenway Park.

• March 6, 2023: FanDuel signs a multi-year partnership with NESN, the broadcast provider for the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox.

• March 1, 2023: Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) Executive Director Karen Wells reaffirms the Bay State is still on for a March 10 launch date, with seven operators set to accept wagers when the market goes live.

• February 23, 2023: PointsBet withdraw their Massachusetts online sports betting application, and will not be available to take wagers when the market goes live.

• February 22, 2023: Caesars announce a pre-launch registration sign-up offer.

• February 17, 2023: Fanatics Sports book announces it will not be a part of the Massachusetts online sports betting launch, and Bally Bet also indicate it will not be likely to launch until May 2023. Betway are another operator to delay launching and are not expected to be active until later in 2023.

• February 9, 2023: MGC Executive Director Karen Wells proposes tentative online sports betting launch date of March 10, 2023.

• February 8, 2023: DraftKings and FanDuel announce pre-launch registration sign-up offers.

• February 2, 2023: Massachusetts' retail sports betting launch is labelled a success by MGC Executive Director Karen Wells.

• January 31, 2023: Retail sports betting officially launches in MA, with Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino all accepting in-person wagers at their respective sportsbooks.

• January 25, 2023: Bet365 withdraws its bid for a license in Massachusetts following Raynham Park's announcement of an agreement with Caesars.

• January 23, 2023: Caesars Entertainment partners with Raynham Park and announces plans to build a sportsbook at the off-track betting location.

• January 20, 2023: The MGC announce that retail sports betting will launch at 10am ET on January 31, 2023.

• January 19, 2023: The MGC approves temporary untethered Category 3 online sports betting licenses for Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet.

• January 12, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook's application is approved, and the operator will partner with Plainridge Park.

• January 4, 2023: Barstool Sportsbook is approved for an online tethered sports betting license in association with Plainridge Park.

• December 20, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook is approved for a mobile wagering license. PENN's Plainridge Casino is also approved.

• December 19, 2022: BetMGM and MGM Springfield are approved for digital and retail sports betting licenses respectively.

• December 15, 2022: Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is announced as the next president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), due to take over in March.

• December 13, 2022: WynnBET's Category 3 license application is approved, with the online sportsbook set to be tethered to Encore Boston Harbor.

• December 2, 2022: Massachusetts's first sports betting license is awarded to Encore Boston Harbor. This allows the casino to launch a retail betting location and partner with two online operators.

• November 21, 2022: The MGC announce 15 sports betting operator applications – 12 online and three retail – were lodged before the 2 p.m. deadline.

• October 6, 2022: Massachusetts sports betting regulators suggest an ambitious timeline that would see retail sports betting launch in January 2023 and online sports wagering follow in February 2023. The latter is soon pushed back to March 2023.

• September 6, 2022: Caesars and FanDuel become the latest operators to file notices of intent in MA, bringing the total applicants for the 15 available sports betting licenses up to 42.

• August 10, 2022: Then-Gov. Baker signs HB 5164 to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts.

• August 1, 2022: Amendments are made to HB 3993 to change it to HB 5164, including a reduced sportsbook tax of 15% for retail sportsbooks and 20% for online betting sites. There is also a compromise on college sports, with MA bettors allowed to wager on the NCAA teams in the postseason. The bill passes the House by 151-2 and the Senate 36-4. HB 5164 awaits Gov. Baker’s approval.

• July 28, 2022: Gov. Baker publicly states that he wants to sign a sports betting bill before the end of the legislative session on July 31, 2022. Casinos in Massachusetts publish a joint letter urging lawmakers to legalize sports betting.

• May 17, 2022: The House rejects the amendments made by the Senate to HB 3993.

• April 28, 2022: The Senate makes various changes to HB 3993 by adding clauses from SB 269, SB 2844, and the newly introduced SB 2862. Clauses include a ban on collegiate sports betting, a higher tax rate, and a ban on sports betting ads during professional sports broadcasts. HB 3993 passes the Senate and returns to the House.

• April 25, 2022: SB 2844, a bill to legalize sports betting, is introduced to the Senate.

• July 22, 2021: HB 3977 is amended into HB 3993, which passes the House by 156-3. The bill passes to the Senate for approval.

• July 21, 2021: HB 3977, an act to legalize sports betting, is introduced to the House. The bill incorporates HB 70, HB 3832, and HB 3974, as well as all the sports betting house bills introduced on March 29, 2021. SB 269 incorporates all the sports betting senate bills introduced on the same date.

• July 19, 2021: The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies introduces HB 3974 to the House to legalize sports betting.

• June 1, 2021: Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa introduces HB 3832, a bill to legalize sports wagering, to the House.

• March 29, 2021: Lawmakers introduce HB 502, HB 506, HB 514, HB515, HB 516, HB 517, HB 519, HB 531, and HB 535 to the House. All these bills look to legalize sports betting. Lawmakers also introduce SB 254, SB 257, SB 263, SB 264, SB 269, SB 278, and SB 281 to the Senate.

• February 25, 2021: Rep. Charles D. Baker introduces HB 70 to the House to expand sports betting in MA.

• January 1, 2021: No further action is taken with HB 4559.

• March 12, 2020: All of the sports betting bills from 2019 are adopted into HB 4559, an act to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts.

• January 22, 2019: Lawmakers introduce HB 68, HB 366, HB 372, HB 373, HB 377, HB 378, and HB 379 to the House to legalize sports betting. Senators present SB 201, SB 224, SB 229, and SB 231 to the Senate to legalize sports betting.

• May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), leaving individual states free to legalize sports betting.

Future of Massachusetts Sports Betting

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission made 15 online sportsbook licenses available ahead of market launch (eight 'tethered' to a land-based partner), and 10 of these have already been secured. That means five more operators could still join the MA online betting scene.

Meanwhile, there is scope for a third casino and sportsbook to be built in the eastern third of MA to complement the existing retail sports betting locations – MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbour and the racino at Plainridge Park. However, there are currently no solid plans surrounding this opportunity.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Locations

There are three brick-and-mortar sports betting locations in Massachusetts. Two – MGM Springfield and Encore Harbor – are casinos which also offer a full range of slots and table games. The third – Plainridge Park – is a slots-only racino. Under the terms of HB 5164, all three locations were eligible to apply for a sportsbook license and now provide wagering options for bettors.

While you no longer need to travel out of MA to bet on sports, it is still worth noting that neighboring states Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island all also provide the opportunity to place wagers in person.

Massachusetts Lottery Locations

The Massachusetts Lottery has been running since 1971, and you can purchase tickets from lottery locations across the state. You can’t buy lottery tickets online. HB 5164 doesn’t include any mention of sports betting at lottery locations. As such, there will be no sports betting kiosks available at lottery locations in Massachusetts.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Due to the terms of HB 5164, there will be no retail sportsbooks at sports venues, despite sportsbooks’ partnerships with major league teams in Massachusetts. However, this idea was discussed by lawmakers and may be revisited in future legislation.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission Division of Racing oversees horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in the state. You can place pari-mutuel bets on horse races at three horse racetracks, but there are no off-tracking betting (OTB) locations. Racetracks will be able to apply for retail sportsbook licenses in the future.

Teams to Bet on in Massachusetts

• Pro Sports

New England Patriots: The Patriots are the most successful NFL team in the Super Bowl Era, winning six Lombardi Trophies. After joining the NFL in 1970, the Patriots didn’t win silverware for their first 30 years in the NFL. However, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady would lead the Patriots to unparalleled success from 2001-2019, with nine Conference Titles and six Super Bowl appearances. Their home games are played at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which can house up to 66,000 spectators.

Boston Celtics: The Celtics are one of the most successful teams in NBA history and, along with the Los Angeles Lakers, hold the record for most NBA Championships (17). Their rivalry with the Lakers from the 1960s to the 1980s was legendary, highlighted by the one-to-one matchup between Celtics all-time great Larry Bird and the Lakers’ Magic Johnson. Recent years have seen success for the Celtics, with a Conference Title in 2022 and appearance in the NBA Finals for the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown-led team.

Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox have won nine World Series championships, including four in the 21st Century. The Red Sox play their home games at Fenway Park, with a capacity of 37,500. Fenway Park is instantly recognizable for its ‘Green Monster’ wall at left field.

Boston Bruins: The Bruins are the oldest US-based NHL team and have a successful history to match. Playing in the Eastern Atlantic Division, they have won the Stanley Cup six times and claimed 26 Division Championships, most recently in 2020.

• College Sports

Boston College Eagles: The Eagles represent Boston College in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The school sponsors 25 varsity teams, and the Eagles have won six NCAA National Championships, five in men’s hockey, and one in women’s lacrosse. The Eagles are supported by their mascot, Baldwin the Eagle, and fans cheer on their team by singing ‘For Boston’, the oldest college fight song in the US.

Boston University Terriers: Boston University is represented by the Terriers in the Patriot League. The Terriers are most famous for their hockey teams, winning five men’s National Championships, most recently in 2009. The school’s colors are scarlet and white, and hockey games are played at the 7,200-capacity Agganis Arena.

Harvard Crimson: Harvard University has the most varsity teams of any NCAA Division I school in the US, with 41 teams. The Harvard Crimson boasts 151 National Titles, but many of these came at the end of the 19th or start of the 20th Century. They have recently won four National Championships, including men’s hockey, women’s lacrosse, women’s rowing, and fencing.

Holy Cross Crusaders: Competing in the Patriot League, the College of the Holy Cross is represented by the Crusaders. Playing in royal purple, the Crusaders had a purple patch in the post-World War II era, winning National Championships in basketball (1947) and baseball (1952). The Crusaders remain the only team from the US Northeast to have won a College World Series.

UMass Minutemen: The Minutemen are the pride of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Playing in maroon and white, the Minutemen have over 100 years of basketball history, the highlight being the 1996 men’s team reaching the Final Four of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Merrimack Warriors: Merrimack College is transitioning from Division II to Division I, with complete Division I membership coming in 2024. The Warriors have had national success at the Division II level, with National Championships in hockey, softball, and men’s lacrosse. The Warriors have also won regional titles in women’s basketball and women’s soccer.

Northeastern Huskies: Northeastern University’s Huskies came close to winning their first ever National Championship in 2021 when the women’s hockey team lost in the championship game. Hockey games are played in the Matthews Arena, the oldest indoor hockey arena in the world, having opened in 1910.

Stonehill Skyhawks: Competing in the Northeast Conference, the Stonehill College Skyhawks have 23 teams. Before 2022, the Skyhawks competed at the Division II level. However, the team will play in Division I from the 2022/23 season onwards.

UMass Lowell River Hawks: The University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks have 16 varsity teams that compete in the America East Conference. Their mascot is Rowdy the River Hawk, and the River Hawks won seven National Championships at the Division II level before becoming a Division I school in 2013-14.

• Women’s Sports

Boston Pride: Massachusetts is home to the Boston Pride, a women’s hockey team playing in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF). Home games are played in the Warrior Arena. The Pride became the first PHF team to win the Isobel Cup (the playoff championship) three times, winning in 2016 and going back-to-back in 2021 and 2022.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates sports betting in the Bay State. In managing Massachusetts' gambling laws, the commission’s mission statement is to create a fair and transparent process for implementing the expanded gaming law. The commission established the framework and legislation for retail and online sports betting in the state. It also created the licensing process which enabled sportsbooks to apply to launch in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Responsible Gambling Resources

• Massachusetts National Council for Problem Gambling – Guides problem gamblers to support options in Massachusetts. The site also offers a 24/7 helpline and live chat. (800) 522-4700.

• Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health – Offers support to problem gamblers and their families. Live chat advisors are available 24/7, and it also operates a helpline. (800) 426-1234.

• Massachusetts Gamblers Anonymous – Hold meetings state-wide where problem gamblers can provide support to each other and share experiences. Treatment programs are also available. (909) 931-9056.

There is currently a state-wide voluntary self-exclusion program you can use to ban yourself from all the state’s casinos and sportsbooks for a specific time. This will also prevent you from receiving promotional gambling material. Online sportsbooks offer responsible gaming measures such as bankroll limits and time-outs.