HomeMassachusetts Online Poker

Massachusetts online poker

On this MABetting.com page, you will learn everything you need to know about Massachusetts online poker, including its legal status when MA could legalize online poker, and much more.

Johnny Covers By: Johnny Covers
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With three full-scale brick-and-mortar casinos, two of which have poker rooms in Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield, and eight online sportsbooks, Massachusetts residents have shown an affinity for gambling. Despite online sports betting in MA seeing legislation pass in August of 2022, there has not yet been an online poker bill that has passed the House or Senate.

As online sports betting, however, continues to be a strong source of income for the state, lawmakers are increasingly motivated to address online poker. Let’s take a closer look at the state of the industry today, and how you can be ready to get involved in the action when the day does arrive.

Best Massachusetts online poker sites

While there are currently no legal Massachusetts online poker sites, we can draw some conclusions on which will be available based on availability in nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Below are the best Massachusetts online poker sites we expect to launch in the near future.

No, online poker is not legal in Massachusetts, as legislation has not yet passed in the state for online casino games. Progress took a big step forward, however, on August 10, 2022, as Governor Charlie Baker inked the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act to allow for online sports betting. 

Despite offshore poker sites being available in Massachusetts, it comes as a risk to use them, as they are not regulated by any domestic authorities. We here at MABetting.com advise strongly against using offshore poker sites, and instead wait for legal online poker legislation to pass.

If you are still looking for action, Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield are two casinos in Massachusetts that offer in-person poker rooms today. With both cash games and tournaments every week, they are great opportunities to learn the game and develop a strategy for when Massachusetts online poker launches.

When could Massachusetts legalize online poker?

As of today, online poker legislation has not been a priority for Massachusetts lawmakers, as they have instead chosen to focus on online sports betting and brick-and-mortar casinos. With eight different online sportsbooks now operating in the state, each of them has become a source of tax revenue for the state, and online poker sites would be the same.

Despite there being murmurs, there has been no substantial progress made in terms of online poker legislation, as the brick-and-mortar casinos continue to lobby against it. While there are no concrete timelines for when Massachusetts could legalize online poker, the continued success of online sports betting will only push lawmakers harder to get a deal done in the not-too-distant future.

How will you be able to sign up at a Massachusetts online poker site?

When things do get underway in the Massachusetts online poker industry, once legislation passes the MA House and Senate, you should be well-positioned to sign up. Let’s take a closer look at how you will be able to sign up at a Massachusetts online poker site on day one.

  1. Welcome Offer: When plans are made for the launch of Massachusetts online poker sites, we here at MABetting.com will compile reviews of each based on their offerings in other states. Including information such as the user interface, customer support, and game offerings, we will also include the best welcome offer available at the time. Click the “Get Bonus” button at the top of the review to receive the best promotional offer available for new customers.
  2. Sign-Up for New Account: By clicking the link mentioned above, you will be automatically redirected to the MA online poker site with the welcome offer applied to your account. To get started, enter your new login information such as email address, username, and password.
  3. Verify Identity: With your user credentials now established, the Massachusetts online poker site will now require you to verify your identity by entering your legal information. This will include information such as first and last name, home address (must be in MA), phone number, birth date, gender, and the last four digits of your social security number.
  4. Deposit Money: Each of the Massachusetts online poker sites will be fully regulated and secured by the state of MA. Because of this, you will have a plethora of payment options to choose from when it comes to transaction money on and off the site. These will include, but certainly not be limited to, PayPal, Bank Transfers, Venmo, Wire Transfer, Physical Check, and many more.
  5. Choose Your Game and Limits: Your new Massachusetts online poker site has now been confirmed and money deposited into your account. The time has now come to choose the type of poker game you want to play, and at what limits. Once you have decided, find the game’s lobby, and choose a seat within the game already in progress (if a cash game). If you would like to play in a tournament, find the game, pay your entry fee, and wait for the tournament to begin.

Massachusetts casinos with poker rooms

Currently, there are two Massachusetts casinos with poker rooms that you can visit today. Offering both cash games and tournament games every day and week, both are great options to learn and practice the game in anticipation of the launch of Massachusetts online poker sites.

Encore Boston Harbor

Address: 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 located in Everett, MA, there is a poker room in The Loft Lobby, with games ranging from classic No-Limit Texas Hold’Em to Omaha. The poker room at Encore Boston Harbor is open every day from 10 AM to 6 AM.

MGM Springfield

Address: One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103 located in Springfield, MA, the poker room at MGM Springfield is the biggest in the state offering 14 tables with a variety of poker types. The poker room at MGM Springfield is open daily from 10 AM to 3 AM.

Which online poker games could be available in Massachusetts?

The day that Massachusetts online poker officially arrives and operators make their websites and mobile apps live, there will be a variety of online poker games to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at which online poker games could be available in Massachusetts on day one.

  • Texas Hold’Em: The most popular online poker game worldwide, Texas Hold’Em will be the most popular type of poker available at online sites in MA. No Limit Hold’Em implies that there is no limit on the amount you can bet, while Limit Hold’Em implies there will be limits on bet size. To start each hand, one player at the table puts in their big blind, while the player to their left puts in their small (half of big) blind. Next, each player at the table receives two cards and a round of betting ensues. In order to play the hand, each player must put in (at least) the amount of the big blind. Once the table is set, the dealer flops three cards, before another round of betting ensues. Next, the dealer flops another card (the turn), before another round of betting and then lays out one more card (the river). Finally, each player at the table has one more chance to raise the pot if they wish. Once complete, each player’s two cards are paired with three cards of the dealer's five, for the best five-card hand to be the winner.
  • Omaha: Sometimes referred to as Omaha High, the game mirrors Texas Hold’Em with the exception that each player initially receives four cards instead of two. From here, the same betting and turn cadence of Texas Hold’Em ensues, as players battle it out against each other for the best five-card hand including their own and the dealer’s cards. Like Texas Hold’Em, the best five cards on the table win.
  • Five-Card Draw: For many poker players, the Five-Card draw was the first type of poker they played as it is the easiest to understand. To start out, each player at the table receives five cards face down. Next, each player can choose as many of their cards (zero to five) they want to swap out with the dealer’s stack. After one round of betting, each player at the table flips their cards over to reveal their five-card hand, with the best set of five cards taking the pot.
  • Badugi Poker: Badugi Poker is similar to a five-card draw, in that each player at the table starts by receiving four cards face down. They are then given three chances (and three betting opportunities) to switch out cards with the dealer. The twist, however, is that the goal of the game is to have the worst four-card hand possible.
  • Crazy Pineapple: Crazy Pineapple poker is another twist on the classic game of poker, and starts out with each player receiving three cards face down before an initial round of betting. Next, the dealer flops three cards face up as another round of betting follows. Each player then must discard one player of their own, before a Texas Hold’Em cadence of cards and betting follows. The goal of the game is to make the best five-card hand with the players’ cards and those the dealer has laid out.

Expert advice when playing online poker in Massachusetts

Having played online poker in Pennsylvania for more than five years, I have a few pieces of wisdom to pass along for when you start playing Massachusetts online poker. Below is a few pieces of expert advice when playing online poker in Massachusetts when things get legalized and underway.

  • Play Free Games: All of the Massachusetts online poker sites will offer a section of free online poker games for players to get their feet wet. Take advantage of them to learn the technology, as well as plan a strategy for when you start playing the real thing.
  • Welcome Offers: Because there will be competition amongst Massachusetts online poker sites, each site will offer promotional offers for new customers. Make sure you take advantage of them, as they’ll likely offer free money in the form of bonus bets that you can use to play for real stakes.
  • Remaining Blind: This is an important piece of advice for when you play in poker tournaments, as each player at the table will have started with the same amount of chips. If the big blind is $1, know how many blinds you can afford to play before running out of cash. For example, if the big blind is $1 and you have $10 remaining in your stash, at a maximum and assuming no other betting, you can only afford to play $10 more big blinds before running out of cash.

Pros and cons of a mobile poker app vs. an online poker website

With the launch of Massachusetts online poker sites, each site will also have a mobile app available for download on Android and iOS devices. Let’s take a quick peek at the pros and cons of a mobile poker app vs. an online poker website that you should be aware of.

Pros

  • Mobile for Cash Games: In cash games, players can come and go from the tables at their leisure, and cash out of the game whenever they want. As such, using mobile for poker games is a great way to play the game on the go, and not have to worry about when you have to stop playing because of other obligations.
  • Convenience: Playing on mobile poker apps gives you the ability to play your favorite games from anywhere, as long as you are within Massachusetts state lines. This means that whether you are a passenger in a car, in line at the grocery store, or waiting in the dentist’s office, you have access to play online poker while you wait.
  • Mobile-Specific Promotions: While we don’t yet know the promotional offers that will be available from Massachusetts online poker sites, some may be specific to mobile users. By downloading and using the mobile poker apps, you will have access to lucrative promotions you otherwise would not.

Cons

  • Using Data: Unless your mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll have to use your device’s cellular data plan to play online poker. This can not only be costly depending on your carrier’s plan, but you also risk an unsteady connection depending on where you are.
  • Multi-tasking: If you are anything like me, you have multiple windows and tabs going on your desktop computer at once when doing anything. Using a mobile app to play poker, you lose the ability to multitask as you can only be present on one app at a time.

FAQ

Do all casinos in Massachusetts have poker tables?

No, not all casinos in Massachusetts have poker tables or poker rooms, specifically the Plainridge Park Casino does not. Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield, however, do have poker rooms.

Is it recommended to play at offshore poker sites in Massachusetts?

No, it is not recommended to play at offshore poker sites in Massachusetts, as they are unregulated and offer you no protection as a player should things go awry.

Are there any local poker clubs or card rooms in Massachusetts?

No, there are no local poker clubs or card rooms in Massachusetts, with the exception being the poker rooms at Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield.

Are there any age restrictions for playing online poker in Massachusetts?

Yes, players will be required to be 21 years of age or older to play online poker in Massachusetts.

Can I play poker online with friends in a private game?

Yes, you can play poker online with friends in a private game using one of the legal Massachusetts online poker sites when things get operational.

Author Details

Johnny Covers

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.