Massachusetts Sports Betting: Legal MA Betting Sites & Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Massachusetts; Gov. Charlie Baker signed Bill H 5164, which will allow betting on professional sports at state's casinos, simulcast centers, and mobile platforms. The bill was signed on August 10, 2022.

Can You Sports Bet in Massachusetts Yet?

No, bettors can’t sports bet in Massachusetts just yet. The sports betting bill was just signed on August 10, 2022. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) will determine a timeline as they continue to hold meetings regarding the topic.

When is Sports Betting Massachusetts Expected to Launch?

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has stated that sports betting will likely be delayed 3 months and possibly into the early part of 2023. The MGC met on August 11 and will continue to meet until a decision has been made in regards to a launch date. 

Number of Sports Betting Sites Expected to Launch in Massachusetts

There are 15 sports betting licenses available in Massachusetts. That means bettors will have up to 15 different operators to choose from after the launch. BetMassachusetts.com can help bettors decide which operator is right for them.

With legalized sports betting on the horizon in Massachusetts, many are interested in what sportsbooks are likely to be available. We expect to see the industry's top brands provide their services to residents of Massachusetts. Below we speculate on some of these Bay State betting sites.

DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts

DraftKings is one of the biggest brands for sports betting. They offer a high-quality platform that guarantees a positive user experience. Headquartered in Boston, they have a unique partnership with many Boston sports teams, which should make for many unique promotions and prizes.

BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts

BetMGM started in 2018 and has grown to be one of the best known online sportsbooks in the US. They have a great platform and reliable customer support. With a 24/7 customer service line, users can always find the answers they need to continue enjoying sports betting.

FanDuel Sportsbook Massachusetts

FanDuel is an established name in the online sports betting industry with much to offer. They have some great features that make the site suitable for first-time sports betters. The operator l offers excellent signup promos such as up to $1,000 in risk-free bets. Headquartered in New York City, it is likely they will launch in Massachusetts.

Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts

Based out of Las Vegas, Ceasars is a name that most sports bettors are familiar with. Their platform is easy to use and offers a variety of betting options. Whether you are placing wagers using your smartphone or desktop device, you can always find the games and bets you are looking for.

Barstool Sportsbook Massachusetts

Barstool Sportsbook is a spinoff of the well-known media brand Barstool Sports. Penn National Gaming, a majority stakeholder of Barstool, operates the Plainridge Park Casino. Because of this, and Barstool's origin story that began in Boston in the early 2000s, Barstool Sportsbook has already confirmed it will be granted a license in the state.

The list above is not exhaustive. There are many other players in the sports betting industry that may expand to the Bay State when the time comes. These might include WynnBet, PointsBet, and others. Wynnbet owns the Encore Boston Harbor Casino, so their chances seem likely. PointsBet operates in several other states, so they may enter the mix as well. 

• 📅  August 11, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) holds an open meeting, and sports betting is in the plans to be discussed.
• 📅  August 10, 2022: Governor Charlie Baker officially signed sports betting bill into law which will make it legal in Massachusetts to bet on professional sports.
• 📅  August 1, 2022: The Sports Betting Conference Committee finally resolved differences between the House and Senate Bills. Sports betting will be legal in MA.
• 📅  April 28, 2022: The Senate produces its own version of sports betting legislation but it differs greatly from the House bill. Issues such as college betting and tax rates will have to be agreed on by both houses before more progress can be made.
• 📅  March 28, 2022: A poll conducted by State House News Service reports that around 60% of Massachusetts residents support legal betting.
• 📅  January 31, 2022: A $1.5 million dollar pledge is made by DraftKings to support the gambling councils of Massachusetts.
• 📅  January 19, 2022: Senator Eric Lesser voices his support for legalizing sports betting.
• 📅  July 22, 2021: The Massachusetts House of Representatives passes a bill to approve legal sports betting in the state and moves to the hands of the Senate.
• 📅  January 17, 2019: Lawmakers in Massachusetts introduce three competing bills to legalize sports betting though none were passed.
• 📅  August 27, 2018: Massachusetts legalizes daily fantasy sports betting permanently.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Revenue Projection

The total revenue generated from sports betting in Massachusetts is largely dependent on the tax rate that will be legislated. On the high end, it is estimated that sports betting could generate up to $60 million in revenue for the state. More conservative estimates that exclude college betting propose between $25 and $35 million in revenue. College betting will be legal but we do not have a decision on whether MA college teams will be included.

Massachusetts Legal Online Sports Betting Tax Rate

The tax rate for legal online sports betting in Massachusetts is will be 20% with a reduced rate of 15% for retail sports betting. These are the gambling taxes paid to the state by the operators not by sports bettors.

It is likely that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will play an important role in licensing sports betting services and be in charge of regulating the industry.

Massachusetts betting apps will be a great way to enjoy online betting on the go or when a desktop is not available. These apps are offered by the major sportsbooks and are available on Apple and Android devices. Oftentimes, apps are designed to resemble the layout of the desktop page so that users do not struggle with navigation. As long as a user has connected internet on their device, Massachusetts betting apps can provide the latest news in order to make the most informed bets.

Retail Sports Betting vs Mobile Sports Betting

There are pros and cons of betting in-person as opposed to online. Retail betting in-person can provide a more immersive experience for bettors, however, going to a physical location can be inconvenient. Mobile betting is great for staying connected no matter where you are, but it can also be more challenging for users to get customer support.

Massachusetts Sports to Bet

Online sports bettors in the Bay State can expect a good range of betting options once sports betting is launched in the state. Both professional and collegiate sports will be available. This means users can expect to be able to bet on the major sports leagues, college sports and sporting events.

NFL Betting

Football has a strong fanbase in Massachusetts and is one of the most popular sports for sports betting. Once, legal, New Englanders will be able to bet on football events, teams, and players like Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

NBA Betting

Basketball is a great sport to bet on due to its wide fan base and loyal supporters. The Boston Celtics will undoubtedly see many wagers placed on them when sports betting is legalized in Massachusetts.

MLB Betting

Massachusetts residents will be able to bet on baseball when sports betting becomes available in the state. Bettors will be able to enjoy the excitement of Fenway Park at home by following the game and placing wagers online.

NHL Betting

Hockey is an exciting and fast-paced sport, which makes betting on it an enjoyable experience. Boston Bruins fans can look forward to being able to place bets on their success.

College Sports Betting

At the moment, it is unclear if betting on college sports will be allowed in Massachusetts. This remains an important point in passing legislation to legalize sports betting. If college sports betting is included, residents of Massachusetts will have the opportunity to bet on college football, college basketball and more. With this will come the opportunity to wager on some classic Massachusetts college rivalries like the Boston College Eagles vs. the Boston University Terriers.

Once legal betting is available in Massachusetts residents will be able to on all of their favorite sports leagues and teams.

• New England Patriots

  The New England Patriots is one of the most popular football teams in the US with a strong history of success. In fact, they tie for the record of most Super Bowl wins at six titles, the same number as the Pittsburgh Steelers.

• Boston Celtics

  The Boston Celtics have a loyal fanbase in Boston and across the state. It is one of the most successful franchises in sports history, having won a total of seventeen NBA titles.

• Boston Red Sox

  Bostoners are known for their devotion to the Red Sox. Founded in 1901, the Boston Red Sox is one of the eight original members of the MLB.

• Boston Bruins

  The Boston Bruins is a team that fans will be excited to bet on. The Bruins also have a strong professional record, with six Stanley Cup titles.

While it is difficult to say exactly what kind of Massachusetts sportsbook promo codes and offers sites will provide when they launch, there are many common promos that we expect will be available to Massachusetts residents.

Risk-Free Bets

Risk-free bets are a popular type of welcome bonus offered by sportsbooks. Here, a sportsbook offers a certain amount of insured credit to the user in the case where a bet is lost. Say, for example, the sportsbook offers $1,000 in free bets and you wager $500 on a win for New England Patriots. If you lose the bet, a $500 credit for the account will be restored.

Deposit Match

A deposit match is another common promotion. In this case, a sportsbook will match a percentage of your first deposit up to a certain dollar amount to be used as credit on the site. For example, if a first-time deposit promotion matches the entire amount up to $500, you would be able to deposit $500 for a total of $1,000 credit for the sportsbook.

Referral Bonuses

A referral bonus is when a user can receive credit for getting another person to make an account with the sportsbook. Typically, they can use a specific link or code when signing up to activate the bonus. If you can convince friends to join the fun, this is a great way to get extra credit on the site.

Odds Boosts

An odds boost is a promotion where the sportsbook boosts the odds for a certain event. This gives users a chance at a better line than they might get normally and higher returns.

Parlay Insurances

Parlay insurance is when the sportsbook covers a leg of a parlay bet. Typically, with this kind of bonus, a sportsbook will return $25 if a parlay is lost by one leg.

Sometimes a large number of different sportsbooks can make it difficult for users to decide on which site to use. Given that we expect a handful of different sites and mobile apps to become available in Massachusetts once online sports betting launches, here are some factors to think about when choosing a sportsbook.

Great Reviews

Reviews provide good insight into the quality of an online sports gambling site. It is good practice to take a look at other users' experiences with the sportsbook to see what worked well and what did not.

Bets Allowed

Not all online sportsbooks offer the same bet types and options. By taking a look at the sportsbook site or related articles you can decide if the bets you enjoy most are available on the site or not.

Great Pricing On Betting Lines and Odds

Like bet types, different online sportsbooks may offer different betting lines and odds. Users should browse multiple sportsbooks to get a sense of their lines and odds in order to use the sportsbook with the best pricing.

Frequent Sports Betting Bonuses

Taking advantage of bonuses is a great way for users to minimize losses or receive higher returns from their wagers. Different sportsbooks may offer sports betting bonuses more often than others. It is a good idea to keep an eye on this frequency and continue to use the sportsbook that has the most promotions.

Excellence in User Interface

The user interface is a key component of the online sports betting experience. An excellent interface allows users to easily navigate the desktop site or mobile app and get the most out of online sports betting. Users should choose a sportsbook where the interface feels simple and intuitive.

Easy Deposits & Withdrawals

An easy deposit and withdrawal process is integral to a functioning online MA betting site. Oftentimes, sites will set certain minimum deposit or withdrawal amounts. Check out how simple it is to link your bank account and what these minimum limits are to make sure the sportsbook suits your needs.

Variety of Customer Service Options

When using a sportsbook sometimes questions or concerns arise. Different issues may require different levels of support, which is why a variety of customer service options is an important aspect of a sportsbook. Take a look at what different sites offer in terms of FAQ, live chat, or email support.

Certain sports gambling sites may be better at some things than others. Signing up for more than one is a good strategy to reap all these different benefits and not miss out on certain opportunities.

Get The Best Line

Not all operators offer the same betting lines, and some may be better than others. This is why it is a good idea to use multiple platforms in order to ensure maximum returns to your wager.

Intro Betting Bonuses

Each sportsbook offers unique sign-up bonuses and other promotions to new users. Signing up for multiple online sportsbooks means that you can take advantage of all of these promos.

Bet Offerings

By using multiple betting sites, you can learn which sites offer what and where to access your favorite bet offerings. Signing up for multiple books means you will not be restricted by the bet offerings of a certain platform.

Feel The Operator

It is important for a user to feel comfortable with an online platform and be able to easily navigate the site. Using different books means you can decide on which platforms feel the most intuitive.

Sports Betting Site Rules

Each MA betting site has its own rules and user policy. For example, certain sportsbooks don't allow same-game parlays, which means a user cannot place wagers on two legs or more on the same game. Another difference maybe when a sportsbook deems the bet as active. A variety of sportsbooks allows users to play within the rules they feel most comfortable with.

Once launched, Massachusetts residents will be able to make a variety of different wagers on online sportsbooks. Below we outline some of these wager types so you can get a better understanding of what sites will have to offer.

• Moneyline

  A moneyline refers to a bet on a team to win the game. An example would be placing a wager on the Boston College Eagles to win their next game.

• Parlays

  This bet combines multiple selections into one ticket. This makes for a higher risk but greater potential returns.

• Over/Under Totals

  An over/under bet or total line refers to a bet on the amount of scoring for both teams combined in the same game.

• Point Spreads

  A point spread is similar to a moneyline, except there is a winning margin involved. Rather than simply winning the game, the team must win by a minimum number of points.

• Futures

  A future is a bet on an event in the future. These are usually available for large sporting events, such as the Super Bowl.

• Prop Bets

  This is a bet on some event in the game not related to the final outcome. An example of this would be a certain player’s performance, like Tom Brady being the player to throw the most touchdowns.

• Live Bets

  Live betting means you can bet on the event as it is happening. This is good for users who enjoy the rush of betting in real-time.

• Prohibited Bets

  Certain wager types are not allowed in some states. Given that there is no sports betting legislation yet, we do not know exactly what wagers will be prohibited. It is common in some states for college sports betting to be restricted. Residents may not be able to bet on college teams from schools within the state if this type of prohibition is set.

Aside from the sports wagers listed above, online sportsbooks in Massachusetts will likely offer many other betting options as well. Below we take a look at some of these.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Fantasy Sports have been legal in Massachusetts since 2018. This betting option allows users to assemble their own virtual team and see how they stack up against other users. Many different fantasy sports contests and tournaments are available online.

Horse Racing

Horse betting is also already legal in Massachusetts. This can be done in person at the track, or online through digital platforms. Horse betting is an exciting and fun option that is already available to residents of Massachusetts.

Elections

Betting on politics can be an enjoyable alternative to betting on sports. We expect betting on elections will be available when the sports betting bill is passed.

Pop Culture Ceremonies

Pop culture ceremonies are another fun alternative to sports betting. This will also be available when sports betting is legalized.

eSports

Placing bets on eSports is not currently legal in Massachusetts. This was, however, supported by the sports betting legalization bill passed in 2021. Like other sports, eSports will likely become available to bet on once sports betting becomes legal overall.

Some Massachusetts professional sports teams have already signed deals to partner with gambling companies. When Massachusetts sports betting becomes legal, the Boston Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics have all made deals with DraftKings to be their official sports betting partner. The teams plan on working with DraftKings to create an engaging experience for fans.

Deposit and Withdraw from Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites

When online sportsbooks launch in the Bay State, users will have a variety of options for making deposits and withdrawals. Note that these options may vary from one sportsbook to another. Listed below are some of the various options we expect will be available to users:

• 💰  VISA
• 💰  MasterCard
• 💰  American Express
• 💰  Venmo
• 💰  PayPal
• 💰  Bank Transfer

Since Massachusetts sports betting is not yet legal, it is difficult to say how it will compare to other legal states. Some important factors such as the tax rate and the inclusion of college sports are still up in the air.

Where To Bet in Massachusetts Now

It is not yet possible to sports bet in Massachusetts. Once sports betting is launched, sports betting options will become available.

Start Online Sports Betting in Massachusetts 

The future of sports betting is looking bright in Massachusetts. Now that the bill to legalize sports betting has been agreed the big sports betting brands will already be getting ready to serve this market of almost seven million people. You can start online sports betting as soon as the first licensed operators launch. Our best guess is that the go live date will be after the New Year but before the Super Bowl in February 2023.