Casinos in Boston

On this page presented exclusively by MAbetting.com, you will learn everything you need to know about casinos in Boston, including their legal status, how many there are, and much more.

By: Johnny Covers

| Last Updated: July 2, 2024

Table of contents

Are there legal casinos in Boston?
List of all casinos near Boston
Are any new casinos opening in Boston soon?
What types of games can you play at Boston casinos?
FAQ

With a total of three casinos throughout the state of Massachusetts, the Boston metro area is home to two of them where residents and visitors alike flock throughout the year. Casinos in Boston are still a relatively new idea, having only been around for less than 15 years.

Generating the state more than $300 million in tax revenue, as well as providing thousands of jobs each year, casinos in Massachusetts are a continued force in stimulating the local economy. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about casinos in Boston, including where to find them and what to expect.

Are there legal casinos in Boston?

Yes, there are legal casinos in Boston in the Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MA, and Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA. As part of the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act of 2011, three resort casinos and a slot parlor were approved for launch in Massachusetts. Fully regulated and licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), the legal casinos in Boston

The first popped up in 2015 at Plainridge Park Casino, with Encore Boston Harbor opening its doors in 2019. Offering everything from a horse race track, slot machines, table games, sportsbooks, resorts, spas, entertainment venues, and a plethora of dining options, casinos in Boston are a must-stop for any gaming or entertainment enthusiast.

Let’s take a closer look at both casinos in Boston, describing what you can expect to see when you visit them, where exactly to find them, and how to get in touch should you need to before your visit.

List of all casinos near Boston

There are currently two casinos near Boston at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MA, and Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA. Both offering a different host of games and other services, the two casinos near Boston are a must-stop for fans of gambling and overall entertainment experiences. Let’s dive into the details of each, including when they opened their doors, their offerings, and what to expect when visiting.

Plainridge Park Casino

Opening its doors in June of 2015, Plainridge Park Casino became the first casino in Massachusetts to open following the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act of 2011. Located in Plainville, MA, Plainridge Park Casino also has a horse race track where spectators can watch (and bet on) harness horse races throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

While there are no traditional table games, Plainridge Park Casino offers electronic table games to complement its more than 1,000 slot machines. At the racetrack, bettors can place their wagers via both live tellers and self-serving kiosks, betting on the action throughout the year.

In 2023, Plainridge Park Casino also opened the state’s second sportsbook, where (MGM Springfield being the first) bettors can place wagers on their favorite teams every day. The property also includes three restaurants in Flutie’s Sports Pub, The Loft, and the high-end Slack’s Oyster and Grill.

Address: 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762
Contact information: (508) 576-4500

Encore Boston Harbor

The most recent addition to the casinos in Boston’s offerings is the Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA. Opened officially in June of 2019, Encore is located directly across from the iconic Boston Harbor and features a riverfront park for visitors to enjoy.

Notably, the luxury resort that accompanies Encore Boston Harbor has some of the nicest amenities in the state, including a full-scale spa and multiple high-end restaurants. In its gaming space, Encore Boston Harbor offers more than 3,000 slot machines, 200+ table games, and an enormous poker room with tournaments and cash games offered every day.

With one of the biggest gaming floors amongst the casinos in Boston, Encore Boston Harbor is the most complete casino resort in the New England Area. While there is no sportsbook on the property, visitors can use any of the licensed and regulated legal sportsbook apps while visiting.

Address: 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
Contact information: (857) 770-7000

Are any new casinos opening in Boston soon?

No, there are currently no definitive plans for new casinos opening in Boston anytime soon. That said, the landmark Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 permitted three resort casinos in MA to open, of which there are only two (including MGM Springfield).

At the time, the act noted that Southeastern Massachusetts would be the potential site for the third, but due to other regulatory issues and hurdles, no concrete plans have been made. If a new casino in Boston were to open, like the three casinos in Massachusetts today, it would be licensed and regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

As of 2022, casinos in Massachusetts are contributing more than $300 million in tax revenue to state funds, as well as providing thousands of jobs to its residents. That all to say, there is plenty of motivation for Massachusetts lawmakers to approve another casino to open in Boston soon.

What types of games can you play at Boston casinos?

At the two casinos in Boston, Plainridge Park Casino and Encore Boston Harbor, there are a variety of games you can play. Let’s take a look at the different types of games you can play in Boston casinos today.

Slot Machines: At both the Plainridge Park Casino and Encore Boston Harbor, visitors can play slot machines 24 hours a day. All of the top gaming developers in the country have titles at both casinos, featuring regular and progressive slot machines with RTP percentages ranging all over the board.
Table Games: While you can play virtual table games at Plainridge Park Casino, Encore Boston Harbor is the only casino in Boston that offers traditional table games. Their offerings include, but are not limited to, blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, roulette, Texas Hold’Em Poker, baccarat, craps, and more.
Horse Racing: At Plainridge Park Casino, there is a full-scale horse racing track and an attached race book where customers can bet on the races taking place there. Though there is no thoroughbred racing at Plainridge, there is harness racing you can bet on throughout the year.
Poker: Encore Boston Harbor offers the biggest poker room in Massachusetts, making it a must-stop for any poker player in Boston. With more than a dozen tables, Encore Boston Harbor hosts cash games and tournaments throughout the year.
Sports Betting: Though there is not yet a sportsbook at Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino opened a sportsbook in 2023. At both properties, as well as anywhere throughout the state, sports bettors can use any of the legal online MA sportsbook apps to get in on the sports betting action.

FAQ

How old do you have to be to play at casinos in Boston?

Visitors to casinos in Boston must be 21 years or older to enter the casino gaming floor.

Who regulates Boston casinos?

Since the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act of 2011, when casinos in Boston were allowed to open, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has regulated Boston Casinos.

Can I play both table games and slot machines at Boston casinos?

Yes, you can play both table games and slot machines at Boston casinos, with the only exception being that Plainridge Park Casino only offers virtual table games. Similar to slot machines in appearance, virtual slot machines allow you to play your favorite table games via electronic kiosks.

Are there any age restrictions for entering and gambling in Boston casinos?

Yes, you must be 21 years or older to enter and gamble at Boston casinos.

Do Boston casinos offer non-gambling entertainment options?

Yes, both Plainridge Park Casino and Encore Boston harbors offer entertainment options. At Encore Boston Harbor, visitors can visit one of the many restaurants, the nightclub Memoire, the Spa at Encore Boston Harbor, and a variety of retail and shopping options. At Plainridge Park Casino, patrons can visit one of three restaurants, the horse race track to spectate harness racing, and live entertainment featuring bands, DJs, and comedy shows.

What dining options are available at Boston casinos?

At both Plainridge Park Casino and Encore Boston Harbor, there are a number of dining options available. At Plainridge Park, the dining options available are Flutie’s Sports Pub, Slack’s Oyster House and Grill, and the more casual The Loft. At Encore Boston Harbor, foodies have even more options, with Rare Steakhouse, Mystique (Asian), The Oyster Bar, Red 8, Bru, and Garden Cafe.

Author Details

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers, known for his expertise in sports betting, serves as an author and analyst at MA Betting. With nearly ten years of experience in the field, he is recognized for his adeptness in handicapping. Johnny's comprehensive analyses have been showcased across numerous leading sports and betting platforms.