Offers Verified By Our ExpertsAbout the Potential Suffolk Downs Sportsbook
There is the potential for a Suffolk Downs sportsbook in the near future as the track was included as a potential operator by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to offer sports betting, though retail betting has yet to launch.
In fact, Suffolk Downs is only one of two entities eligible for a Category 2 sports betting license, the other being Raynham Park. Neither have launched retail betting, nor have noted any intention to do so.
If a sportsbook at Suffolk Downs were to become a reality, it would be the closest sportsbook to Encore Boston Harbor, which offers a WynnBET-branded sportsbook, at just 5 miles away.
Until sports betting at Suffolk Downs goes live, there are plenty of MA sports betting apps available for play immediately!
| ⛔️ Retail Sports Betting Live? | No |
| 📆 Opening Date | TBD |
| 🤝 Sportsbook Partner | TBD |
| ✅ Last Verified | April 26, 2024 |
Who Will Be the Suffolk Downs Sportsbook Partner?
If Suffolk Downs were to pursue a sports betting license, it would also likely look for a wagering partner in order to provide the best sports betting experience. There are several sports betting operators in MA such as Fanatics Sportsbook MA that do not have a retail partner, and some that have not yet gone live in the state that could be looking to establish a retail presence.
Suffolk Downs could also look to expand on its horse racing partnerships with FanDuel or DraftKings, both of which currently operate sports betting in the state but do not have a retail partner.
Operators that are not yet live in Massachusetts but could explore a partnership for a Suffolk Downs sportsbook include bet365 Massachusetts, BetRivers, Betway and more.
Can You Sports Bet at Suffolk Downs?
No, you cannot bet on sports at Suffolk Downs yet as the track does not yet have a sports betting license issued by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Suffolk Downs has not yet noted if it is interested in pursuing sports betting.
However, if the track does receive a sports betting license, it's safe to assume that a top-notch wagering experience, including some of the best Massachusetts sports betting promos, would be available at Suffolk.
When Will Sports Betting Launch at Suffolk Downs?
It's not clear if and when sports betting will launch at Suffolk Downs. The track must first enter into an agreement with a sports betting provider and must also receive a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Would the Suffolk Downs Sportsbook Offer Promos?
Yes, it's perfectly reasonable to assume that the Suffolk Downs sportsbook would offer promotions. However, note that these types of promos would differ from those offered by online sportsbooks such as the BetMGM Massachusetts bonus code. For retail promotions, bettors are typically awarded free play, cash, or tickets to local professional sporting events like those for the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox or Boston Bruins.
However, we have no idea what types of sports betting promotions would be offered by Suffolk Downs, as no state racetrack has opened a retail sportsbook. The only other eligible track that could offer wagering is Raynham Park, and a sportsbook there is up in question.
Suffolk Downs Details
Suffolk Downs opened as a thoroughbred racetrack in East Boston, Massachusetts in 1935, hosting several famous horses including Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, Funny Cide and Cigar.
The track has operated solely as a simulcasting facility since racing concluded on June 30, 2019.
| 📍 Address | 525 William F McClellan Hwy, Boston, MA 02128 |
| 📞 Phone Number | (617) 567-3900 |
| 📺 Simulcasting? | Yes |
| 🐎 Racing? | No |
History of Suffolk Downs
- 📆 June 30, 2019: The final day of racing takes place at Suffolk Downs, though the facility remains open for simulcasting.
- 📆 May 26, 2017: Suffolk Downs is sold to HYM Investment Group, which plans to turn the track into a housing and shopping district.
- 📆 June 9, 2016: Racing will return to Suffolk Downs after the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves funding 6 days of races.
- 📆 September 29, 2014: Suffolk Downs closes a second time following another failed casino bid. Racing returns on a limited basis in 2015.
- 📆 March 30, 2007: Suffolk Downs is acquired by Coastal Development LLC, which had planned to convert the track into a racino. The track partners with Caesars Entertainment to develop a $1 billion casino but the agreement is terminated several years later due to financial concerns.
- 📆 January 1, 1992: Racing resumes at Suffolk Downs following several months of upgrades and remodeling to the track.
- 📆 December 30, 1989: The track closes for the first time.
- 📆 June 29, 1986: Suffolk Downs is sold to American Businessman Buddy LeRoux, who threatens to close the track unless the state granted financial concession.
- 📆 October 16, 1935: Suffolk Downs holds the first iteration of its annual event, the Massachusetts Handicap (MassCap).
- 📆 July 10, 1935: Suffolk Downs opens following just 62 days of construction.
Suffolk Downs Sportsbook FAQs
No, you cannot bet on sports at Suffolk Downs yet. The racetrack is eligible to apply for a sports betting license but has not yet notified if it would do so. However, given the development plans for the track, it's tough to say if there will ever be a sportsbook at Suffolk Downs.
It's uncertain if and when the Suffolk Down sportsbook will ever open. The track has not given any intentions on pursuing a sports betting license or a sports betting partner.
Yes, there is free parking and free admission at Suffolk Downs. The parking lot has capacity for more than 500 cars, with plenty of additional parking offsite.
Suffolk Downs is currently owned by HYM Investment Group, which bought the property in 2017 for $155 million. The track has undergone several changes in ownership since its opening in 1935, most recently being owned by Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC.
No, there is no horse racing at Suffolk Downs. Horse racing at the track ended in 2019. However, the track continues to operate a simulcasting facility that is open year-round.
Author
Blake Weishaar is a commercial editor and fact-checker for BetMassachusetts.com. He has nearly a decade of experience in the gambling industry as a writer and editor at Fantini Research and Eilers & Krejcik Gaming. He is committed to making sure readers have the most up-to-date and correct information about Massachusetts betting regulations and information.
