The surge was driven largely by online betting, which accounted for $93.6 million of the total revenue. Retail sportsbooks contributed a modest $778,953. Massachusetts players wagered a total of $762.5 million in January, making it the third-highest monthly handle in the state’s history. DraftKings Sportsbook MA solidified its dominance in the online market, generating $51.8 million in revenue on a $377.1 million handle, translating to a 13.74% hold. FanDuel MA trailed behind at $28.8 million on a $217.3 million handle, while BetMGM Sportsbook MA rounded out the top three with $5.5 million from $63.2 million in wagers.
Massachusetts’ casino industry also saw gains, reporting $97.9 million in taxable gaming revenue, a 4.7% increase from January 2023. Encore Boston Harbor led the way with $61.4 million in total revenue, followed by MGM Springfield at $22.8 million and Plainridge Park Casino with $13.8 million. In total, gaming and sports betting contributed $46.6 million in tax revenue for the state in January alone.
Policy Shifts: Coin Toss Betting and Potential Gambling Expansion
While revenue figures soared, policymakers revisited regulatory questions surrounding sports betting. In a 3-2 vote, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved Super Bowl coin toss wagers, reversing last year’s ban. Commissioner Brad Hill, who pushed for the change, pointed out that about two-thirds of states with legal sports betting already permit coin toss bets.
“It’s worth revisiting,”
Hill argued, noting that public interest and national trends warranted a policy shift.
Despite this minor policy relaxation, Massachusetts is still grappling with broader gambling expansion discussions. Lawmakers have introduced two bills — SD 2240 and HD 4084 — to legalize online casino gaming in the state. If passed, these bills would allow Massachusetts’ three existing casinos to partner with up to two online operators each, while four additional standalone online casino licenses would be available. The proposed legislation would impose a 20% tax rate on online casino revenue, with operators paying $5 million for a five-year license.
Massachusetts’ efforts align with a growing nationwide push for online gambling expansion. Other states, including Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia, are weighing similar measures to address budget deficits. Notably, Massachusetts Senator John Keenan has introduced bill SD 1657, which mirrors the federal SAFE Bet Act and aims to strengthen responsible gambling measures. The bill also proposes a dramatic tax increase on sports betting revenue, from 20% to 51%, though a similar effort last year was overwhelmingly rejected. With record revenues rolling in and policymakers debating the future of online gambling, Massachusetts remains at the forefront of the evolving U.S. sports betting landscape.
