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Massachusetts
Massachusetts has wasted no time making its mark on the national sports wagering landscape, tallying impressive handle numbers and launching a full-throated debate on the limiting of successful bettors.
Our Best Massachusetts Sports Betting Offers
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About Sports Betting in Massachusetts
DraftKings might be headquartered in Boston, but Massachusetts nevertheless took its time legalizing sports betting. Since the first wagers were accepted in 2023, Bay State bettors have not disappointed, regularly wagering upwards of $500 million monthly and inching toward $800 million during the prime months of football season.
Charlie Baker, the former governor of Massachusetts, was instrumental in getting sports betting across the legislative finish line. After leaving the golden-domed statehouse, he assumed the position of NCAA president in March of 2023 and has been instrumental in getting several states -- including Massachusetts -- to outlaw prop betting on college athletes.
The Massachusetts Gaming Board has been similarly outspoken, constantly tweaking regulations to protect consumers and launching a full-throated debate on the controversial practice of limiting the amount of money successful bettors can wager at a given sportsbook.
Massachusetts Sportsbooks
Currently Operating Sportsbooks
Current Sportsbooks
7Licenses Allowed
15
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
MGM Springfield: 1 MGM Wy, Springfield, MA 01103
Sports Betting Legalization in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Sports Betting Law Highlights
- Tax rate: 15% on retail sports betting revenue, 20% on online revenue.
- Up to 15 licensed mobile operators, $5 million license fee.
- Betting on award shows and professional sports drafts is allowed.
- 45% of tax proceeds go to the state's general fund, with 17.5% to workforce investment and 9% to problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment.
- No wagering on in-state college teams unless they're playing in a tournament, and no college prop betting.
- "21 and over" language must appear on all sports betting logos in sporting venues.
Legalization Timeline
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Governor Baker fails to get sports betting across the goal line
February, 2021
For the third time, Governor Charlie Baker files a bill to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts. And for the third time, the state legislature fails to pass the legislation despite an overwhelmingly favorable House vote.
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Baker signs sports betting legislation into law
August 10, 2022
A little over a week after the legislature's Sports Betting Conference Committee announced a last-minute agreement to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts, Baker signs it into law.
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First sports betting license awarded
December 8, 2022
With a month and change to go before the launch of sports betting, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission awards the state's first sports betting license to Encore Boston Harbor with two mobile partners, Caesars and WynnBET. While WynnBET no longer operates a mobile platform in Massachusetts, it still runs Encore's retail sportsbook.
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Retail betting launches
January 31, 2023
The state's three casinos -- Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park -- begin accepting wagers.
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Online wagering goes live
March 10, 2023
Six online sportsbooks -- including the "Big Four" of BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel -- begin taking mobile bets in the Bay State.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Sports betting is indeed legal in Massachusetts, where wagering commenced in 2023.
Who can bet on sports in Massachusetts?
People who are at least 21 years of age can bet on sports in Massachusetts as long as they're physically located within state boundaries. Bettors needn't be a permanent resident of Massachusetts to wager in the state.
Who regulates sports betting in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) oversees all forms of gaming, including sports betting.
What can I bet on in Massachusetts?
The MGC has approved a robust and dynamic menu of events to wager on, including: Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, biathlon, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, Ultimate Frisbee, floorball, football, futsal, golf, handball, field hockey, ice hockey, jai alai, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, netball, Olympic Games (with some restrictions), pesapallo, pickleball, pool, rodeo, rowing, rugby, sailing, snooker, soccer, softball, summer athletics (with some restrictions), swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, beach soccer, beach volleyball, water polo, winter athletics (with some restrictions), and the Academy Awards and other entertainment competitions.
What can't I bet on in Massachusetts?
There's no college prop betting permitted in Massachusetts, where bettors are also prohibited from betting on in-state colleges unless they're playing in a tournament involving four or more teams. There's also no wagering on esports or on any sporting event overseen by Russian or Belarusian governing bodies. Lastly, while some wagering on Olympic and winter sports is allowed, there is no betting on events where the order of finish is determined by a judge or panel of judges.
Is DFS legal in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to daily fantasy sports pioneer DraftKings, which is also a leading sportsbook operator, and DFS contests have been fully legal in the state since 2016.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Massachusetts?
It is legal to bet on horses in Massachusetts, both in person and online. While there is just one racetrack, Plainridge Park, that still holds live (harness) races, inactive tracks like Suffolk Downs (Thoroughbreds) and Raynham Park (greyhounds) are still open for simulcast wagering, and horse bettors can bet online through a host of account-wagering platforms.
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Responsible Gambling
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 1-800-327-5050 or visit www.mahelpline.org/problemgambling to speak with a trained specialist for free, 24/7.