Massachusetts sports betting

MABetting.com is the place to be if you are looking for information about Massachusetts sports betting. We provide details about all of the 7 MA sports betting sites, the latest news and exclusive welcome offers.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
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Massachusetts sports betting is fully legal, with the industry going live on March 10, 2023.

Best Massachusetts sports betting sites

We've meticulously reviewed and tested all 7 available betting platforms in the state, focusing on a variety of crucial factors to ensure you get the most reliable and enjoyable betting experience. Dive into our reviews and discover the best Massachusetts sports betting sites.

🏈 DraftKings Massachusetts ⭐ Leading in promotions & generous sign-up bonus
🏈 FanDuel Massachusetts ⭐ Industry leader with competitive odds
🏈 BetMGM Massachusetts ⭐ Pioneering presence with diverse betting options
🏈 Caesars Massachusetts ⭐ Synonymous with luxury & top-tier rewards
🏈 ESPN Bet Massachusetts ⭐ Premier new site with a strong sports legacy
🏈 Fanatics Massachusetts ⭐ New entrant with strong fan connections

DraftKings Massachusetts Logo

DraftKings Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings Sportsbook MA was among the group of six operators that started taking wagers in Massachusetts on March 10, 2022. As one of the preeminent daily fantasy sports platforms in the United States, the company was well-positioned when the federal prohibition on sports betting was lifted in 2018.

This operator is known for their ongoing promotions for established players, and they offer a generous sign-up bonus as well. They are one of the top two revenue producers in the industry for a reason – they do things right, and the players are the beneficiaries.

FanDuel Massachusetts Logo

FanDuel Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets & 3 Month Trial of NBA League Pass

FanDuel MA is the other online sports betting site that sits above the rest of the pack, and they had the same advantage as a DFS giant. They have been accepting bets in Massachusetts since day one, and they provide a quality experience across the board.

They are highly motivated to set the standard as an industry leader, and their policies reflect that ambition. You will always find a competitive sign-up bonus at FanDuel, and the promotional opportunities keep rolling in after you become an established player.

BetMGM Massachusetts Logo

BetMGM Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500

BetMGM MA occupies a solid position in the firmament of the Massachusetts sports betting scene. They are in virtually every state that has sports gaming in the U.S., and they are one of the pioneers in this newly opened market.

In addition to the online sports betting site and the BetMGM MA mobile app, they have a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at the MGM Springfield gaming facility. You can sit at the bar, munch on pizza, and watch your action on one of the huge, high-definition monitors that dominate the space.

Caesars Massachusetts Logo

Caesars Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000

Caesars Sportsbook MA is in the top four as well, as they are in other states with legal sports betting. As one of the longest-standing and most well-funded sports gaming companies in the country, they have the resources and the expertise to compete at a very high level.

Caesars is synonymous with high-end gaming experiences, and with that in mind, they typically offer the most generous sign-up bonus in the industry. Plus, players can participate in the Caesars Rewards program to earn valuable perks in return for the play.

ESPN Bet Massachusetts Logo

ESPN Bet Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: $1500 Bet Reset & 1 Month Trial of ESPN+

ESPN Bet Massachusetts, renowned as one of the most notable names in sports and sports betting, stands out as the premier new sports betting site in Massachusetts.

Managed by PENN Entertainment, this Massachusetts betting site is an updated iteration of the Barstool Sportsbook, initially run by PENN, maintaining its legacy while introducing a fresh identity.

Bally Bet Massachusetts Logo

Bally Bet Bet Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Bet $25 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Bally Bet launched its online sportsbook in Massachusetts on July 2, 2024, after several delays. Bally Bet aims to compete in a crowded market dominated by industry giants like DraftKings and FanDuel. The sportsbook offers a range of betting options across popular sports and includes features like live betting and player props.

Bally Bet's launch in Massachusetts follows a significant revamp of its technology platform in partnership with Kambi, which has allowed it to enhance the user experience. Although Bally Bet does not operate a retail sportsbook in the state, its entry into the Massachusetts market is part of a broader strategy focused on online gaming expansion.

Fanatics Massachusetts Logo

Fanatics Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Bet & Get Up To $1000 in No Sweat Bets

Fanatics MA launched on May 25, 2023, becoming the seventh online sports betting site in the state. Since they have existing relationships with countless American sports fans that have purchased merchandise from them, they are well-positioned to move forward in the sports betting space.

In fact, they have recently acquired the American operations of the Australian sports gaming company PointsBet, so existing PointsBet platforms will transition over to Fanatics in the coming months. It is difficult to provide much insight into the product because it is still in its beta stage.

Yes, sports betting became legal in Massachusetts when Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5164 into law on August 10, 2022. It allows for online and in-person wagering on college and pro sporting events under the supervision of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Facts about MA sports betting

Below you can find some key facts about sports betting in Massachusetts:

Sports betting legal since: March 10, 2023
Number of online betting sites: 8
Number of retail sportsbooks: 3
Legal betting age: 21
Governing body: Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Sports teams in Massachusetts to bet on

Massachusetts is a hotbed of professional sports, and there are plenty of college teams as well. Let’s look at the popular sports teams in Massachusetts that people can now support with cold hard cash.

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics are in a category by themselves when it comes to long-term success in professional basketball. They have won a league-leading 18 NBA Championships led by legends of the game like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Larry Bird, and are a perennial threat to make a deep playoff run. Betting on the Boston Celtics is a favorite pasttime of MA residents.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are another highly successful Massachusetts franchise. They won six Super Bowls during the Tom Brady years, and many would say that Bill Belichick is the best head coach in NFL history. Betting on the New England Patriots is one of the more common bets on MA sportsbooks.

Boston Bruins

New England is hockey country, and the Boston Bruins are NHL royalty. They have captured six Stanley Cups during their long history, and they have worn the Atlantic Division crown an amazing 27 times. Wagering on the Boston Bruins is incredibly popular.

Boston Red Sox

Baseball fans flock to Fenway Park during the summer to support and bet on the Boston Red Sox as they have for generations. They went through an extended World Series drought via the “curse of the Bambino,” but they broke through to win it all for the first time since 1918 in 2004. They have won the World Series three times since then, and they are expected to compete every year.

Boston College

Without question, Boston College is the most notable collegiate team in Massachusetts from a sports perspective. They started fielding a football team back in 1893, and they have won nearly 700 games over the years behind memorable players like Doug Flutie and Matt Ryan.

  • Football: NFL football is the biggest revenue generator for sportsbooks around the country, and college football betting is very popular as well. Online sports betting in Massachusetts launched after the Super Bowl during the first year of operation, but the handle will surge during football season going forward.
  • Basketball: In 1891, James Naismith invented the sport of basketball in Springfield, so Massachusetts is the birthplace of the game. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, and the Celtics have been the epitome of excellence for generations.
  • Baseball: Fenway Park is one of the most venerable sports venues in the United States, and the popularity of the Red Sox extends throughout the New England region. Betting on baseball can add a dimension, and it makes any game much more interesting.
  • Hockey: Generally speaking, people in Massachusetts know more about hockey than many people elsewhere because the game is part of the culture at the recreational and scholastic levels. Many people grew up playing the sport, this gives you an edge when you are evaluating betting angles.
  • UFC Fights: A lot of people in Massachusetts and the rest of the country are mixed martial arts fans. The big UFC events generate a great deal of revenue at online betting sites, and it is a lot of fun to watch the action with money riding on a fighter.

MA sports betting bonuses & promos

Promos are one of the key selling points for online sports betting operators in Massachusetts. There is a lot of competition for your business, and they go the extra mile to win people over with these promotions. There are welcome promos that are available to first-time users, and these are the most player-friendly enticements. After you are an established patron, you will receive ongoing offers throughout the year.

Let’s look at some of the types of Massachusetts sportsbook promos that you will typically see on offer.

  • Guaranteed bonus bets: Bonus bets have no cash value at first, but you can use them to place real money bets. A lot of welcome promotions use this model. For instance, you may receive $200 in bonus bets after you make a $5 qualifying cash wager. If you win a bonus bet, you receive a payout in withdrawable cash.
  • Second chance bets: The other most common bonus structure for new users is the second chance or protected bet. With this offer, if you lose your first wager up to a certain amount, you get the money back in the form of bonus betting credit.
  • Deposit match bonuses: The matched deposit is another special that you may see at a sports betting site. As the name indicates, your deposit is matched in bonus betting credit. This sounds like a good arrangement, but you have to bet the bonus credit multiple times before it can be withdrawn.
  • Boosted odds: After you sign up, you may receive special offers that provide boosted odds on select wagers. You often see these boosts for parlays with at least three legs, but sometimes they can apply to propositions or straight bets.
  • Merchandise and experience contests: You may have the opportunity to win a jersey or some other type of merchandise if you win a drawing after completing some action to gain entry. Along the same lines, there have been promos that provide game tickets and VIP event experiences.

Always make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully when you are considering a promotional opportunity. Fortunately, the state imposes strict guidelines for advertising integrity, so the operators are not allowed to make misleading claims.

How to sign up for a Massachusetts sportsbook

If you’re interested in signing up for a Massachusetts sportsbook and claiming a promo, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

  1. Choose a reputable MA betting site from our list: There are many sports betting sites available in Massachusetts, but it’s important to choose a reputable one. We have a list of top betting sites in MA that you can look through to make your decision. Every site on our list is licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and has positive reviews from other users.
  2. Click on the “Sign Up” button: Once you’ve chosen a sports betting site, click on the “Sign Up” button on the homepage.
  3. Fill in your personal information: To create an account, you’ll need to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and email address. Make sure to double-check your information for accuracy.
  4. Create a username and password: Next, you’ll need to create a username and password for your account. Make sure to choose a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  5. Verify your identity: To verify your identity, the sports betting site may ask for additional information, such as a copy of your driver’s license or a utility bill. This is to ensure that you are who you say you are and to prevent fraud.
  6. Claim the promo offered: Once your account is set up and verified, you can claim the promo offered by the sports betting site. The process of claiming a promo varies from site to site. Some sites will automatically credit your account with the bonus or free bets upon sign up, while others may require you to enter a promo code or make a minimum deposit to qualify. If the promo requires a promo code, make sure to enter it accurately to ensure that you receive the bonus or free bets. If the promo requires a minimum deposit, check the terms and conditions to see what the minimum deposit amount is.
  7. Make your first deposit: To start betting, you’ll need to make a deposit into your account. The sports betting site will have several options for depositing money, such as credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
  8. Place your bets: With your account funded, you can start placing bets on your favorite sports teams and events. Make sure to read the sports betting site’s terms and conditions before placing any bets.

Should I sign up on multiple betting sites?

Signing up on multiple betting sites is a good idea for a number of different reasons. Let’s look at the benefits that you enjoy when you have more than one Massachusetts sports betting account.

  • Multiple welcome bonuses: Signing up for multiple sites is a no-brainer for one reason: you get a welcome bonus every time you sign up at a new betting sites. Why settle for one bonus when you can get several?
  • Shopping for odds: The sports betting sites do not have the same odds listed for every possible bet. Vigorish is the amount that sportsbooks keep as a form of commission for providing the service, and the bite that they take will vary depending on the book.
    Plus, the actual lines will differ, so you can compare your options when you have multiple accounts. When you consistently grab the best odds that are out there for the bets that you want to make, you increase your chances of long-term success.
  • Aesthetic sensibilities: Each site has a unique look, feel, and color scheme. As a user, you may prefer one environment over another, so you can weigh your options and choose the site that you enjoy spending time on the most.
  • Ongoing promotions for established players: After you sign up on a site and receive their welcome reward, you will be afforded subsequent bonus opportunities for standard users. When you have more than one account, you can make the rounds to see the types of offers that are on the table at any given time.

MA sports betting history

These are the key events that transpired over recent years that ultimately enabled legal sports betting in Massachusetts:

  • May 14, 2018: The United States Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) on constitutional grounds. This removes the federal prohibition on sports betting, and the matter can be taken up by each individual state.
  • August 1, 2022: The Massachusetts state legislature voted in favor of House Bill 5164, a measure that legalizes online and in-person sports betting.
  • August 10, 2022: Governor Charlie Baker signs the bill, which is formally called An Act to Regulate Sports Wagering, and it becomes law.
  • October 17, 2022: A total of 29 Scoping Surveys are submitted to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) by operators that are interested in obtaining sports betting licenses.
  • November 21, 2022: The MGC receives 15 Sports Wagering Operator license applications prior to the deadline for submission.
  • Dec. 8-20, 2022: Boston Harbor Casino, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino receive Sports Betting Operator Licenses from the MGC.
  • Dec. 13, 2022-Jan.12, 2023: Five Tethered Category 3 Sports Wagering Operator applicants are approved for licenses.
  • Jan. 19, 2023: Six Untethered Category 3 Wagering Operator applications are preliminarily found to be acceptable.
  • Jan. 31, 2023: Retail sports gaming goes live in Massachusetts.
  • March 10, 2023: Online sports betting becomes a reality in The Bay State.

Laws and regulations that MA sports betting apps need to follow

MA sports betting apps must comply with various laws and regulations to ensure they operate legally and responsibly. Here are the laws and regulations that sports betting websites need to follow in Massachusetts:

  • Licensing Requirements: Sports betting websites must obtain a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) to operate legally in the state. The MGC oversees all aspects of sports betting, including licensing, regulation, and enforcement. To obtain a license, sports betting websites must meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating financial stability and providing proof of a secure platform for betting.
  • Responsible Gambling Measures: Operators must implement responsible gambling measures to ensure that customers can gamble safely and avoid developing a gambling addiction. These measures include offering tools for customers to set deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and other features to help prevent problem gambling. Sports betting websites must also provide resources for customers who need help with gambling addiction.
  • Age Restrictions: Betting companies must ensure that only individuals who are at least 21 years old can participate in sports betting activities. This requirement is in accordance with Massachusetts state law, which prohibits individuals under 21 years old from participating in any form of gambling.
  • Integrity Monitoring: Sports betting websites must have systems in place to monitor for suspicious betting activities and report them to the appropriate authorities. The MGC requires sports betting websites to use approved technology to detect unusual patterns of betting and report any suspicious activity to the MGC’s Investigations and Enforcement Bureau.
  • Advertising Restrictions: They also must follow strict advertising regulations to ensure that their ads are not targeted at minors and do not make false or misleading claims. The MGC’s regulations prohibit sports betting websites from advertising in locations where minors are likely to see the ads, such as schools and public parks. Additionally, sports betting websites must not make false or misleading claims about their services, such as offering unrealistic odds or guaranteed wins.
  • Data Privacy: Betting sites must protect customer data and ensure that it is stored securely and confidentially. The MGC requires sports betting websites to comply with state and federal data privacy laws, such as the Massachusetts Data Security Law and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Sports betting websites must use industry-standard encryption and other security measures to protect customer data from unauthorized access or disclosure.
  • Taxation: Category 1 Sports Betting Operator licenses are reserved for the licensed casinos in the state. Category 2 licenses are for racetracks and simulcast facilities, and Category 3 licenses are potentially available to online and mobile sports betting operators. Category 1 and 2 license holders pay a 15% tax on gross wagering revenue, and Category 3 operators pay a 20% rate.

Retail sports betting locations in Massachusetts

At the moment, there are only three retail sports betting locations in Massachusetts. Below is a list of the different betting sites and their corresponding locations:

Betting site

Retail location

BetMGM

MGM Springfield Hotel and Casino

WynnBET

Encore Boston Harbor

ESPN Bet

Plainridge Park Casino

Daily Fantasy Sports in MA

Daily Sports Fantasy became legal in Massachusetts back in 2016. Initially, it was temporarily legalized while important details such as regulatory rules and how the taxes would work were ironed out. But now, it’s fully legal to bet on daily sports fantasy games in Massachusetts.

DraftKings and FanDuel have established themselves as the biggest DFS betting sites in Massachusetts. It’s important to note that the Daily Sports Fantasy section of these betting websites is completely separate from their sportsbook. This means that you will need to register a separate account to participate in fantasy contests.

It wasn’t the most difficult push we’ve ever seen for Massachusetts to legalize betting, both in-person at MA casinos and online. Former Governor Charlie Baker (R) was notably pro-gambling, especially sports betting: the state is known for some of the most important dynasties in all of athletics with names like the Patriots, the Bruins, the Celtics, and more.

But what was the most attractive was the money: Massachusetts is nearly surrounded by states offering legal sports betting, and precious revenues would have been lost to out-of-state betting if not for H 5164, the law enabling MA residents and eligible visitors to bet on sports for real cash. H 5164 was signed into law by then-Governor Baker in 2022, paving the way for legal bookies to start entering the market. Now in-person and online betting is finally live in the state.


FAQ

Who oversees sports betting in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is the regulator in charge of issuing sports betting licenses and overseeing the whole market.

Is college sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can bet on collegiate sports in MA. However, you cannot bet on in-state teams like the BC Eagles, the Holy Cross Crusaders, the UMass Minutemen and Minutewomen, or others unless they are participating in a tournament.

Which sports are not allowed to bet on in MA?

Massachusetts allows betting on nearly every professional athletic league and collegiate leagues as well. However, for NCAA betting, the teams can not be in-state teams unless they’re participating in a tournament: you can’t bet on the BC Eagles during regular season play, but if they make the Sweet 16, you can bet on them. Esports betting has yet to be regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Can I bet online if I live in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can bet online if you live in Massachusetts. Online sports betting went live on March 10, 2023, in the state.

Do I have to pay taxes in Massachusetts on my profits from sports betting?

Yes, sports betting winnings in Massachusetts are subject to state and federal taxes. Any net profit from gambling must be reported as income on your tax return and is taxed at a rate based on your total income.

What age do I need to be to place a sports bet online in MA?

In Massachusetts, you need to be at least 21 in order to legally place a bet on sports online.

Where can I bet on the Boston Celtics in Massachusetts?

You can bet on the Boston Celtics on several betting sites in Massachusetts, including DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel.

Can I bet on boxing online in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can bet on boxing online in Massachusetts, as long as it’s through a betting site that’s licensed to operate legally in the state.

Is it legal to bet on horse races in MA?

It is legal to bet on horse races in Massachusetts, and has been so for over 100 years. Bettors have the option to bet in person at the horse race betting cage, through simulcast wagering, or at an online betting site.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley, a betting analyst and author at MA Betting, brings extensive experience from over a decade as a hockey commentator for junior teams in Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. When he's not engaged in writing or co-hosting his NHL-focused podcast, "Pod Snipe Celly," Dan is frequently seen at the rink, immersed in the hockey world.