Retail Massachusetts sports betting officially has arrived.
All three casinos in the state — Plainridge Park Casino (Barstool Sportsbook), Encore Boston Harbor in Everett (WynnBET) and MGM Springfield (BetMGM) — went live at 10 a.m. and have guest bettors placing historic bets at each property.
Thirty-two lucky guests, as well as Boston athletic legends, placed historic bets at Encore Boston Harbor at the main WynnBet Massachusetts Sportsbook and at self-service kiosks located throughout the property.
One of First Bettors Reacts
Kyle Waldron, of Quincy, was one of the 32 and was right there at a self-service kiosk at 10 a.m.
"This is certainly cool to be one of the first. I made some bets on the Super Bowl and some basketball bets for tonight and tomorrow. I forgot the others off-hand; it’s a bit overwhelming," Waldron said. "I like coming to the casino, it's a lot of fun. I will probably mix it up a bit to come here to bet and when mobile gets going."
Mobile is expected to get going in March, right before the NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins. Massachusetts betting apps will abound then.
EBH will have the largest number of self-service kiosks in the state (118), along with 10 teller windows.
Former Celtics champion forward Cedric Maxwell put a bet on the Eagles. "That's all I'm saying," he said. Former Red Sox star Johnny Damon also wagered on the Eagles. Former Patriots defensive back Ty Law put $1,000 on Celtics to win it all and $240 on the Chiefs. They placed the bets at the windows inside the WynnBET Massachusetts Sportsbook. Former Patriots great Julian Edelman will place his bet at around 6 p.m.
ESPN’s Sean McDonough is serving as host of the event and championship trophies also will be on display and available for photo opportunities.
Ray Bourque, a Boston Bruins legend and Hall of Famer, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno were among those who placed the first wagers at the BetMGM Massachusetts Sportsbook & Lounge at MGM Springfield.
"The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield is a phenomenal sports betting hub designed for New England’s passionate sports fans,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “Today is a monumental step for BetMGM and sets the stage for us to deliver a best-in-class sports wagering experience across Massachusetts.”
Plainridge Park Casino will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony later during the day at 1 p.m., with former New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich, a two-time Super Bowl winner, placing the first wager.
And don't forget that additional retail sportsbooks will open at Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs at a future date.
Bettors will also want to check out our reviews of top offers, like the Caesars Massachusetts promo code.
