Massachusetts Sports Betting: Massachusetts Sportsbooks Launching 2023

Yes, sports betting in Massachusetts is legal but Massachusetts sportsbooks are still awaiting approval from the Gaming Commission to begin accepting bets. Governor Charlie Baker signed Bill H.5164, the Massachusetts sports betting bill, on August 10, 2022, which officially legalized sports wagering in the state. Regulators are currently in the process of approving which sportsbooks can offer betting services in the state.

Can You Sports Bet in Massachusetts?

No, you can not currently bet on sports in Massachusetts but online sportsbooks are expected to launch in the state ahead of March Madness. Once Mass sports betting does go live, expect Massachusetts residents to bet on a wealth of sports including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, collegiate sports and more. However, bettors in Mass will not be allowed to bet on collegiate sports featuring in-state college teams. Once bettors do get the green light, it's critical new bettors are up to speed on how to bet on sports in Massachusetts before they get started.

Is Online Sports Betting Available in Massachusetts?

No, online sports betting is not available in Massachusetts, yet. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is currently approving both online Massachusetts sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks to offer betting in the Commonwealth. The first retail sportsbooks are set to begin accepting bets by the end of the month and the first mobile betting apps are expected to be available to download sometime in March.

Is Boston Sports Betting Legal?

Yes, Boston sports betting is legal and will be available soon. Just like everywhere else in the state, betting on sports in Boston will be available in-person at the end of the month and online by the end of March. Our experts expect Boston sportsbooks to launch just in time for March Madness.

You can start betting on sports in-person in Massachusetts on January 31, 2023 when retail sportsbooks are approved to start taking bets. Mobile sports betting in Massachusetts won’t be available until March, when experts believe the Gaming Commission will set a date for betting apps to launch. Additional in-person sportsbooks at the state's two racetracks Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs are expected to open later this year.  

When are Massachusetts Sportsbooks Expected to Launch?

Massachusetts sportsbooks are expected to launch on January 31, 2023, with the expectation that MA sportsbooks at racetracks will open later this year. Select mobile sportsbooks in Massachusetts will be available later this year, potentially sometime in March, after retail sportsbooks begin offering in-person betting starting in January. The launch timeline is similar to several other states where retail initially launched and then mobile followed.

Beginning late January, bettors can bet on sports in Massachusetts casinos including Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park. Adults over the age of 21 and within state lines can bet online once betting sites are approved to launch later this year. So far, eleven mobile sportsbooks have been approved to launch including BetMGM, Caesars, WynnBet, Barstool, Fanatics, FanDuel, Bally Bet, Betr, DraftKings, Betway and PointsBet.

Retail Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

There are currently three Massachusetts casinos approved to begin accepting bets on sporting events later this month including casinos located in Boston, Springfield and Plainville. The two standalone racetracks operating in the state, Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs, were included as potential sports betting operators but neither has been approved by the Gaming Commission to offer betting services. Caesars has partnered with Raynham Park to open one of the largest free-standing race and sports betting facilities in the US at 30,000 square feet. Suffolk Downs does not yet have a sportsbook partner. 

Can you sports bet in Boston?

You can bet on sports in Boston at Encore Boston Harbor. The luxury waterfront resort and casino will offer the closest Boston sports betting experience. Located in nearby Everett, Encore will be Boston's premier sportsbook once regulators give the green light for the casino operator to begin taking wagers on sporting events.  

Can you sports bet in Springfield?

You can bet on sports in Springfield at MGM Springfield. Backed by one of the most recognizable brands in gambling, MGM Springfield is one of the three state casinos approved to open a sportsbook and the only casino west of Worcester, which makes it an ideal destination for sports bettors from the likes of Northampton, Amherst and Pittsfield.

Can you sports bet in Foxborough?

Just south of Foxborough and Gillette Stadium, anyone looking to bet on sports in-person can go to Plainridge Park, one of the three casinos licensed to operate a sportsbook in the state. If you are at the Patriots game and want to bet on sports, a short trip down U.S. 1 to Plainville will offer you a topnotch retail betting experience.

The Gaming Commission has approved 11 sportsbooks to launch in Massachusetts with potentially 2 more gaining approval later this month. Below, we've listed the best Massachusetts sportsbooks expected to launch in 2023 and outlined what set them apart from the competition.

We ranked BetMGM the best sportsbook in Massachusetts launching in 2023. Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings weren't far behind our top ranked sportsbook but the recently approved operator is expected to offer the best betting experience in the Commonwealth once betting sites go live.

Expect operator who gains approval to launch mobile betting will offer some generous Massachusetts sports betting promos in hopes of setting itself apart as new bettors evaluate which sportsbook is best for them. Be sure to take advantage of these special offers by signing up with multiple Mass sports betting sites once they begin accepting new accounts.

As of this writing, eleven Massachusetts sportsbooks have been approved to launch mobile betting sites by the MGC, including WynnBet, BetMGM, Caesars, Barstool, Fanatics, FanDuel, DraftKings, Bally Bet, Betr, Betway and PointsBet. The MGC also approved retail sportsbooks to open at the following casinos and racetracks: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park and Raynham Park.

• WynnBet

  The first sportsbook to acquire a mobile betting license from the MGC was WynnBet Massachusetts. Thanks to their relationship with Encore, WynnBet was able to garner approval before any other betting operator who applied. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean they get any sort of head start as all approved sportsbooks will have the green light to launch on the same day.

• BetMGM

  The day after the first ever license was awarded, BetMGM Massachusetts became the second sportsbook approved by the MGC to launch in Mass. A familiar face to many on the westside of the state thanks to their casino in Springfield, MGM used their stellar reputation to ensure they will be among the first betting sites available in the Commonwealth.

• Caesars Sportsbook

  Anyone who watches the Patriots on TV will most likely recognize Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts, the third operator to gain approval to launch a mobile betting site. Commercials featuring the Manning family promoting this recently approved sportsbook litter NFL ad spots each week, which means new sports bettors in Mass are sure to flock once they launch.

• Barstool Sportsbook

  Despite doubts that their connection to the polarizing media brand would ultimately sink their chances, Barstool Sportsbook Massachusetts was approved to launch a mobile betting app. With a headquarters in the state, expect this operator to put a ton of focus on bettors in Massachusetts, which means lots of juicy bonuses when you sign-up.

• Fanatics Sportsbook

  The latest Mass sportsbook to get approved to launch later this year is Fanatics Sportsbook Massachusetts, a new face to the sports betting industry but not to sports fans in general. You might recognize the brand from your time shopping for your team's favorite gear as Fanatics is looking to make the jump from a leading apparel distributor to a US sportsbook operator.

• Bally Bet

  If you live in the Northeast, you're familiar with Bally's both as a media distributer and a casino operator but now they are looking to enter Massachusetts as a mobile sportsbook. The hearing for Bally Bet Massachusetts started on January 6 with the sportsbook receiving approval on January 19 to offer mobile betting services in the state along with 5 other operators.

• FanDuel

  The most popular sportsbook in America, it's no surprise FanDuel Massachusetts gained approval to launch later this year. Expect new bettors to flock to this sportsbook as soon as they are given the green light to accept bets.

• DraftKings

  Following a smooth hearing that started on January 11, DraftKings Massachusetts received its official mobile betting license from the Gaming Commission. Headquartered in Boston, DraftKings has a unique partnership with most of the professional Boston sports teams, which should make for many unique promotions and prizes.

• Betway

  A major name in Europe that's yet to breakout in the American market, Betway Massachussetts is poised to set the tone as the operator looks to kickstart its expansion in the US. The hearing for Betway to earn a mobile license started on January 13 with regulators announcing they met requirements.

• PointsBet

  the most recent hearings to start were for PointsBet Massachusetts, which began on January 17. The hearing resulted in the Australian-born sportsbook gaining approval to launch their points-betting focused product in Massachusetts. PointsBet has quietly built a healthy userbase in the US after successful launches in other states over the past few years so expect a heavy focus on the Mass launch.

• Betr

  Focused on micro-betting, Betr Massachusetts will bring the most unique betting experience available in the state after meeting criteria during their January 10 hearing with the MGC. Expect Jake Paul, owner of the new sportsbook, to do a ton of promotion for the app while leading up to the highly-anticipated launch.

There are no sportsbooks in Massachusetts currently but 11 sportsbooks have been approved to launch mobile betting apps with up to 13 potentially launching in the state by the end of the 2023. Initially, 42 operators applied to offer betting services in the Commonwealth with only 15 potentially gaining approval between mobile and in-person betting. Each of the state’s three casinos have received licenses to offer in-person betting.

Which Sportsbooks Partner with Professional Teams?

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.

There are currently no NEW sportsbooks in Massachusetts as of January 2023 but expect BetMGM, Caesars and DraftKings to be among the top new Massachusetts sportsbooks once the market goes lives in March. Not all the licensed sportsbooks will launch when the Gaming Commission gives the ok to start accepting bets, so expect multiple new Massachusetts sports betting sites to go live throughout the year.

It might have taken longer than expected but sports betting in Massachusetts is just around the corner. With sportsbooks expected to go live in a few weeks, it's time to review how we got here. Below is a timeline outlining legislation focused on the Massachusetts sports betting bill that ultimately paved the way for sportsbooks to launch in the Commonwealth.

• 📅  December 13, 2022: WynnBET becomes the first Massachusetts sportsbook to be granted a mobile sports betting license by the Gaming Commission.
• 📅  December 12, 2022: The first retail sports betting license is award to Encore Harbor Boston.
• 📅  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.
• 📅  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.

As more key developments unravel in the saga that is Mass sports betting, we will update the timeline to ensure it has the latest developments impacting Massachusetts sports betting legislation.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates and licenses sports betting within the state. The MGC also oversees and regulates the state’s three brick-and-mortar casinos. The MGC does not oversee all forms of gambling though; the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission regulates all lottery games played within the state.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Licenses

The Massachusetts sports betting bill allows for up to 15 licenses. Three types of licenses are available: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3. Each license regardless of category requires application fees set at $200,000. Permanent licenses last for 5 years and cost $5 million while temporary licenses last 1 year and cost $1 million.

Category 1 License (Retail Sportsbooks + Mobile Tethered)

The Category 1 Licenses in Massachusetts allow for retail sports betting at brick-and-mortar casinos in the state. The license also allows each casino to partner with as many as two mobile platforms, but those platforms must receive a Category 3 license as well.

Category 2 License (Racetracks + Mobile Tethered)

The Category 2 Licenses in Massachusetts allow for retail sports betting at racetracks and off-track betting facilities and allow one mobile platform per licensee. Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs are the only entities eligible for Category 2 licenses, but have noted that they will not be ready to launch by the start of retail sports betting in late January.

Category 3 License (Mobile Untethered)

The Category 3 Licenses in Massachusetts allow for mobile betting, whether partnered with a casino or racetrack or on a standalone basis. The MGC has allocated for up to 7 untethered Category 3 licenses in addition to the online licenses allocated to each casino and racetrack.

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 MA residents will not be allowed to bet on in-state college teams. 

Massachusetts Legal Online Sports Betting Tax Rate

The Massachusetts gambling tax for legal online sports betting 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. Once you are legally allowed to bet, you will have have to pay federal taxes on anything greater than $5,000. If you win more than $5,000, you will be taxed at 24%. Our gambling winnings tax calculator can help you to better understand what to expect.

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 once Massachusetts 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 wagering 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 Massachusetts sports betting 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

Sometimes questions or concerns arise when using a sportsbook. 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 for your wagers.

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 sportsbooks means you will not be restricted by the betting options 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.

There are pros and cons of betting in-person as opposed to online using mobile Massachusetts betting apps. 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• Moneylines

  A moneyline bet 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.

• Totals (Over/Under)

  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

  When you bet on the point spread, it 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.

• Parlays

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

• 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

  Prop bet 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.

Certain wager types are not allowed in some states. For instance, Massachusetts residents will be allowed to bet on college sports, but not on games featuring in-state college teams. It is common in some states that in-state college betting is prohibited.

Online sports bettors in the Bay State can expect a wide range of betting options once sports betting is launched in Massachusetts. 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 other sporting events.

Here's a list of popular sports to bet on in Massachusetts:

• NFL

  Football has a strong fan base 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

  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

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

• NHL

  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 Football & Basketball

  Betting on collegiate sports in Massachusetts will also be allowed, allowing wagers to be placed on college football, college basketball and more. However, residents will not be allowed to bet on in-state college teams, meaning Bay Staters will miss out on 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. Below you'll find a list of the teams we expect sports bettors in Massachusetts to bet on most often:

• 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, so it's shouldn't be a surprise the Pats will be a favorite bet for Massachusettsans.

• Boston Celtics

  The Celtics have a loyal fanbase across the state so expect a ton of action on the Celtics, one of the most successful franchises in sports history, having won a total of 17 NBA titles.

• Boston Red Sox

  Bostoners are known for their devotion to the Red Sox and bettors in Boston will follow suit. 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.

When online sportsbooks launch in the Bay State, users will have a variety of options for making deposits and withdrawals. Listed below are some of the various options we expect will be available to users:

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

Note that these options may vary from one sportsbook to another.

Aside from the sports wagers listed above, online sportsbooks in Massachusetts will likely offer many other betting options as well.

Daily 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.

Betting on horse racing 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.

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.