Massachusetts online gambling

While online casino play, poker, and lottery games are all illegal in Massachusetts, gamblers are still able to take part in online sports betting, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports contests. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the legal and illegal types of online gambling in Massachusetts, where in the state you’ll be able to play, and how to get started with various betting operators.

By: Dan Bradley

| Last Updated: December 29, 2023

Table of contents

Best Massachusetts gambling sites
Is online gambling legal in Massachusetts?
Which types of gambling could become legal in MA?
How to sign up for an MA online gambling site
How to check if a gambling site in Massachusetts is legit
History of online gambling in MA
Gambling on horses online in Massachusetts
Tips when gambling online in Massachusetts
Who regulates online gambling in MA?
What taxes should gamblers pay on winnings in Massachusetts?
Gambling responsibly in Massachusetts
FAQ

Best Massachusetts gambling sites

Massachusetts’ gambling sites are currently limited to the sportsbook, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and horse betting operations, but many of these platforms also have casino play up and running in other states and could come to the Commonwealth if online gambling laws expand. Here are some of the best Massachusetts gambling sites.

🎲 FanDuel Massachusetts	⭐ Premier sports betting app with extensive SGP markets
🎲 BetMGM Massachusetts	⭐ Excellent rewards program & live streaming options
🎲 Caesars Massachusetts	⭐ High welcome bonuses & fast payout times
🎲 DraftKings Massachusetts	⭐ Top DFS contests & user-friendly sportsbook app
🎲 Betr Massachusetts	⭐ Innovative microbetting for in-play bettors
🎲 Fanatics Massachusetts	⭐ Earn “FanCash” for wagers and merchandise
🎲 WynnBET Massachusetts	⭐ Early cashout feature & low hold percentage
🎲 ESPN Bet Massachusetts	⭐ Exclusive ESPN content integration

FanDuel Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets

FanDuel was one of the first six gambling sites to launch in Massachusetts, though residents were able to play on the operator’s daily fantasy sports platform even before sports betting in the state was fully legalized. If you’re a fan of same game parlay betting, FanDuel will likely be your go-to option, as its vast array of SGP markets will ensure you’ve always got options available.

On the horse racing side, FanDuel operates the TVG online race betting platform which has been live since 1999.

Top feature: FanDuel has one of the premier sports betting apps available on iOS and Android devices.

BetMGM Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500

Betting at the MGM Springfield is an enjoyable betting experience, but if you can’t make it to the casino and sportsbook in person, gambling online is a solid choice as well. BetMGM Massachusetts regularly has live streaming options available in the app and web browser, especially after you’ve placed an in-play wager. Streams are most often live for European soccer matches and tennis tournaments, but you’ll find North American events too.

Top feature: BetMGM’s rewards program is as good as it gets, with high-quality perks available at every reward tier.

Caesars Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000

Caesars Massachusetts tends to set the curve for the highest welcome bonus reward amounts among gambling operators in the state, and the customer service experience is second to none. You’ll find playing in a web browser and on the mobile app to be seamless, with a wide range of in-play, upcoming, and futures sports betting options at your fingertips.

Top feature: Caesars has a large selection of banking methods and payout times are among the fastest in the industry.

DraftKings Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

A Massachusetts original, the DraftKings company was founded in Boston in 2012. It began as a DFS operator and today has the most contests of any DFS platform. DraftKings is also the biggest gambling site by handle in the state, with more than $1.5 billion wagered on the platform in the first seven months of legal online sports betting in MA, roughly half the state’s overall handle.

Top feature: DraftKings’ DFS contests are the cream of the crop, and the sportsbook app is an elite option for those who are new to sports betting.

Betr Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: $50 in Bonus Credits

Founded by a group led by social media influencer Jake Paul, Betr has cornered the “microbetting” market, offering many smaller lines throughout a sporting event than traditional sportsbooks provide. These could include things like “will the Bruins score a goal on this power play,” “will this Patriots drive end with an offensive score,” or “will the Red Sox hit a home run this inning?” Because the betting outcomes are determined before the end of the game, you can settle your wager right away and collect your winnings sooner than ever before!

Top feature: Microbetting puts a creative spin on sports betting and will be thoroughly enjoyed by savvy in-play bettors.

Fanatics Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: $1000 in Bonus Bets

Fanatics has taken over PointsBet’s U.S. sports betting operations and is in the process of converting the betting platforms across the country, transitioning three states per month between August 2023 and May 2024. However, the platform will carry both names as “PointsBet - A Fanatics Experience.” PointsBetting puts a unique twist on sports betting and can lead to massive paydays if the bookmaker sets a bad line.

Top feature: Bettors earn “FanCash” with every wager placed. FanCash can be used to obtain generous betting bonuses or for discounts/purchases at Fanatics’ sports merchandise outlets.

WynnBET Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: $100 in Bonus Bets

WynnBET will be well positioned if Massachusetts legalizes online casino gaming, as the operator has an excellent offering of online slots and table games. On the sportsbook side, WynnBET is still a quality option with the lowest hold percentage of any sports betting operator in the state (meaning more money goes to the players once bets are settled).

Top feature: WynnBET gives a ton of betting flexibility with its early cashout feature, letting users recoup some of their stakes if things are looking like a loss or collect on a favorable in-play wager before things take a turn.

ESPN Bet Massachusetts

Sign-up promo: Up To $1000 in Bonus Bets

ESPN Bet rolled out in Massachusetts on November 14, 2023 as PENN Entertainment completed the conversion from its previous Barstool Sportsbook platform. The new sportsbook features exclusive content from ESPN’s on-air talent and is integrated into existing ESPN services and programming.

Top feature: TBA, we will update this after the ESPN Bet transition.

Is online gambling legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, some forms of online gambling are legal in Massachusetts. Online sports betting in MA was legalized in August 2022 and launched in March 2023 for bettors who are at least 21 years of age; horse racing betting is also allowed for players who are 18+.

While not technically considered gambling, daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests are legal as well. However, online casino gaming, poker, and lottery play are still prohibited under state law.

Massachusetts also addressed widespread gambling legislation with the Expanded Gaming Act in 2011, which authorized three brick-and-mortar casinos and a slot facility in the state. It also created the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) to implement and provide oversight for the gaming licensing process.

Which types of gambling could become legal in MA?

Online gambling legal in MA

It may take some time for more types of gambling to become legal in the state, but MA online casinos, lottery, and poker are all up for consideration. Their legal status could hinge on both the success of online sports betting in the state, though there will undoubtedly be pushback from land-based casinos who would contend legalizing more online gambling could hurt their businesses.

Signing up for an MA online gambling site will have some subtle differences depending on where you’re planning to play, but there are a few steps that will be consistent wherever you decide to make your bets. Here’s what you can expect when registering.

Use our link to get the welcome bonus: For each legal, licensed MA operator, we’ve written a review and linked directly to their registration page. You’ll also find any necessary promo codes listed at the top of the review.
Craft your credentials: After clicking the link, you can decide on a username to use, as well as provide an email address and password to use when logging in. You may also be prompted to provide your phone number at this step to enable two-factor authentication, but if not, that will come in Step 3.
Input your identifying information: Next, you’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself, including your legal first and last name, date of birth, street address (no P.O. boxes), and the last four digits of your social security number. This will be used to make sure you’re legally allowed to gamble in Massachusetts and to ensure your winnings end up in the correct hands.
Agree to the terms of service and submit your registration: Finally, you’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions of use and privacy policy for the operator where you’re gambling. You may also get a chance to opt-in to receive promotional messages; we highly recommend that you opt-in, as this can unlock gambling bonuses that aren’t available to the general public. When you’re done, click “Submit,” log into your account, and make a real-money deposit to start playing.

How to check if a gambling site in Massachusetts is legit

The easiest way to check if a gambling site in Massachusetts is legit is to see if it includes a “legal” tab somewhere on the homepage. Because the process to obtain an MA gambling operator’s license is expensive and time-consuming, legal, licensed operators will proudly and prominently display all the licenses they hold. If you don’t see a seal or icon from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, stay away, as it is likely an unlicensed platform that is unsafe to use.

You can also check with MABetting.com, as we will only list legitimate and licensed bookmakers and gambling sites on our pages. We’ll also have reviews for each legal operator so you can be as informed as possible before you register.

History of online gambling in MA

Online gambling in MA is still relatively new, as the practice of mobile betting was largely prohibited until recent changes to Massachusetts laws. Here are some of the key dates to know in the Commonwealth’s online gambling history.

1934: Massachusetts legalizes horse race betting with the passage of Senate Bill 0179
1971: The first state lottery in Massachusetts is approved with the first drawings held the following year.
2011: Governor Deval Patrick signs the Expanded Gaming Act, which authorized three resort casinos and one slot machine facility to set up operations in the Commonwealth. These sites would later become the locations where in-person sports betting was first offered.
2012: Daily fantasy sports giant DraftKings launches in Boston.
2016: Massachusetts fully legalizes daily fantasy sports contests.
2018: The U.S. Supreme Court reverses the decision of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, allowing states to decide on their own whether to pass laws regulating sports betting.
January 31, 2023: The first retail sportsbooks open in Massachusetts at three casinos around the state. These sportsbooks gave the casinos a head start before online sports betting fully launched later in the year.
March 10, 2023: Six online sportsbooks in Massachusetts (Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBET) go live as the state launches online sports betting.
September 2023: Massachusetts surpasses $3B in online sports betting handle.

Gambling on horses online in Massachusetts

If you are at least 18 years old, you’re allowed to gamble on horses online in Massachusetts. Pari-mutuel wagering in the state dates back to 1934, but fixed-odds wagering is legal as well, so you’re able to participate in both types of betting. Additionally, with advanced deposit wagering, you can place your wagers online or through a mobile device.

Suffolk Downs rose to prominence as Massachusetts’ main thoroughbred racing track with the first races run in 1935. However, horse racing’s popularity in the state has declined in recent years and the track closed in 2019.

Today, bettors can still wager on live races around the state but can also participate in simulcast races, opening the availability to heats from around the world. However, simulated races are still prohibited, as this is typically considered a form of casino gambling (which is still illegal in Massachusetts).

Tips when gambling online in Massachusetts

Before gambling online in Massachusetts, we have a few tips you should consider that will set you up for betting success.

Set time and money limits: One of the best ways to practice responsible gambling is to limit the amount of money and time you can spend on betting platforms. You should never put more money into your betting account than you can afford to lose, and by limiting your play time, you will be less likely to develop problematic gambling behaviors.
Keep an eye out for bonuses: Bonuses are the main way gambling operators will draw new users to their platforms and reward returning players for their library. Because you aren’t limited to only playing on one platform, you can use as many sites as you wish, giving you access to more bonuses than with one operator. MABetting.com will regularly update with the latest bonuses from around Massachusetts.
Avoid betting on emotion: Whether you’re riding high from a big winning streak or feeling frustrated after a run of losses, betting at the emotional extremes (sometimes called “tilting”) tends to lead to poor gambling decisions. With practice keeping your emotions in check, you’ll be able to avoid making impulsive, risky wagers.

Who regulates online gambling in MA?

Online gambling in MA is regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Established in 2011, the MGC is responsible for creating and maintaining “a fair, transparent, and participatory process for implementing the expanded gaming law.”

What taxes should gamblers pay on winnings in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts gamblers should plan to pay taxes on their betting winnings, which they will need to include when reporting their income for a given tax year. The state has a flat 5% income tax rate with an additional 4% tax on income above $1M, so while your gambling funds will be included in a separate area on the tax forms, there isn’t a separate tax on gambling winnings.

Gambling responsibly in Massachusetts

Responsible gambling in MA

Regardless of the Massachusetts betting operator(s) you choose to use, you should always practice gambling responsibly. Betting sites and apps will have many features, resources, and services available to help practice safe betting, and we highly recommend you take advantage of them.

One way to do this is to self-impose limits to the amount of money and time you can spend on a gambling platform. It can be very easy to lose track of these if you aren’t careful, and by programming these limits to your account, you can give yourself a tool to keep you from overspending.

Another important step is to make sure you don’t rely on gambling as your primary source of income. Trying to make a living while gambling can lead to incredibly risky behaviors and irresponsible borrowing to make your bets or pay off gambling debts.

Thirdly, knowing when to walk away is a sign of gambling maturity. It can be easy to try to keep riding a hot streak or to chase losses in hopes of getting back to an even balance, and both behaviors can lead to financial ruin. It’s always better to take a break and help keep emotions, both positive and negative, fully in check.

Finally, be on the lookout for signs of addictive behaviors so you can more easily identify when problem gambling is occurring. If you or someone you know is at risk of gambling addiction, help is always available. You can contact the Massachusetts Council on Problem Gambling, the MGC, Gamblers Anonymous, and many other services to combat irresponsible betting.

FAQ

How old do I need to be to gamble online in Massachusetts?

To gamble online in Massachusetts, you must be at least 18 years old for horse race betting and 21+ for sports betting. Other forms of gambling, such as online casino play, lottery games, and poker, are still illegal under MA law regardless of age.

Are online gambling sites in MA safe and secure?

Yes, any online gambling site in MA that is licensed and regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is safe and secure for play. Betting operators will be quick to display their licenses on their web pages because it shows they are approved as legit gambling platforms. If you don’t see an MGC insignia somewhere on the site, you shouldn’t be gambling on that site.

Do I have to be a resident of MA to gamble online?

No, you do not have to be a resident of MA to gamble online. As long as you are at least 21 years old (or 18+ for horse race betting) and physically located within Massachusetts’ borders, you will be able to play online.

Are there any mobile gambling apps in Massachusetts?

Yes, there are mobile gambling apps in Massachusetts. Each sports betting operator has released an app version of its sportsbook platform, and you can also find horse race betting apps in both the iOS and Google Play stores. However, since other forms of gambling are still illegal in Massachusetts, you won’t be able to play on those.

Author Details

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.