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Massachusetts online sportsbooks

Massachusetts legalized online sports betting in August of 2022, and since its launch in March 2023, the industry has already seen sustained growth and further expansion. To date, 7 Massachusetts sportsbooks have gone live, with other operators rumored to be on the way.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
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Table of contents

In this guide, we’ll lay out what online sportsbooks operate in Massachusetts, how we rate them in our sportsbook reviews, and the advantages of playing online vs. in person.

Best Massachusetts sportsbooks

The 7 Massachusetts sportsbooks all offer something unique to separate themselves from their competitors. Here is a quick overview of each operator, along with the best feature. For more detailed information, be sure to check out our sportsbook reviews for each platform.

🏀 DraftKings Sportsbook MA ⭐ Massive selection of live betting markets
🏀 Caesars Sportsbook MA ⭐ Player-focused product with top welcome bonuses
🏀 BetMGM Sportsbook MA ⭐ Gold standard loyalty program & live streaming
🏀 FanDuel Sportsbook MA ⭐ User-friendly app, great for same game parlays
🏀 Fanatics Sportsbook MA ⭐ Earn “FanCash” for wagers and merchandise
🏀 ESPN Bet Sportsbook MA ⭐ Integration with ESPN platforms

DraftKings Massachusetts Logo

DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings Sportsbook MA tops our list because the company was founded in Boston in 2012. Beginning as a daily fantasy sports operator, DraftKings has expanded its online gaming offerings to include sports betting, a casino, and a horse racebook. It took less than a year for DraftKings to pass the $1B sports betting handle milestone, and it has accounted for roughly half the state’s overall betting revenue.

Best feature: DraftKings has a massive selection of live betting markets, making it an excellent choice for those who favor in-play wagering.

Caesars Massachusetts Logo

Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000

Another top online sportsbook in Massachusetts is Caesars. Known for its world-class customer support, you can easily see the attention the operator has put into delivering a player-focused product. The app and web browser are highly navigable, support team response times were quick and helpful, and with tons of banking methods to choose from, you’ll find the Caesars Sportsbook MA experience to be a favorite in no time.

Best feature: Caesars’ welcome bonus offers tend to have the highest maximum amount returned to the player among Massachusetts operators.

BetMGM Massachusetts Logo

BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500

BetMGM is one of the top live-betting operators in Massachusetts, with streaming of select matches often available. These streams can be accessed in both a web browser and through the mobile app. They are especially prevalent for European soccer markets and tennis competitions, though you will find them for U.S.-based contests as well.

Best feature: The loyalty program BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts provides is an industry gold standard, offering lucrative rewards for returning players.

FanDuel Massachusetts Logo

FanDuel Sportsbook Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

FanDuel Massachusetts is a go-to option for same game parlay bettors. While the operator didn’t invent the practice, FanDuel was the first to make SGPs a prominent offering on its platform. In fact, you’ll likely find more markets available to include on your SGP slip with FanDuel than on any other Massachusetts site, and it seems the listed markets continue to grow year over year.

Best feature: FanDuel’s mobile app is incredibly user friendly, making it an excellent choice for newer sport bettors.

Fanatics Massachusetts Logo

Fanatics Sportsbook Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Up To $1000 in Bonus Bets

Having gone through a similar transition, Fanatics’ sportsbook is also branded as “PointsBet: A Fanatics Experience.” This is because Fanatics purchased the rights to PointsBet’s U.S. sports betting operations and is transitioning the sportsbook platform to reflect the change in ownership while still capitalizing on PointsBet’s brand recognition. The platform moved out of beta stage in October 2023 and is showing early signs of success.

Best feature: Bettors can earn “FanCash” with every wager placed; the FanCash can then be used to redeem bonus bets on the sportsbook or to purchase sports merchandise from the Fanatics shop.

Bally Bet Logo

Bally Bet Sportsbook Massachusetts

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

Bally Bet launched its sportsbook in Massachusetts on July 2, 2024, after several delays, becoming the seventh online sportsbook in the state. The app is designed with a focus on simplicity and user experience, featuring a range of betting options such as live betting, player props, and parlays across various sports.

Although Bally Bet does not operate a retail sportsbook in Massachusetts, it leverages its recent technological overhaul in partnership with Kambi to offer a competitive online platform.

Best feature: Bally Bet’s integration of frequent profit boosts and competitive odds make it an attractive option for bettors looking to maximize their returns on a user-friendly platform.

ESPN Bet Massachusetts Logo

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Massachusetts

  • Welcome promo: Second Chance Bet Up to $1000

ESPN Bet has arrived in Massachusetts, after a changeover of the Barstool Sportsbook platform on November 14, 2023. ESPN Bet was uniquely positioned to integrate with existing ESPN platforms and productions, and the added feature of original betting-themed content from the on-air personalities gives you the inside scoop before you make your wagers.

Best feature: Variety of betting markets.

Yes, sportsbooks are legal in Massachusetts. The commonwealth legalized sports betting in August 2022 and was quick to launch, with the first operators accepting wagers in March of 2023.

Legal sportsbooks are regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) and must pass through a review process before being allowed to operate.

How we rate MA sportsbooks

How do we rate the sportsbooks

MA Betting has reviewed all legitimate sports betting operators, giving them thorough critiques with an overall score to help you figure out the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. We rate MA sportsbooks using the following criteria.

  • Welcome bonus: In scoring the welcome bonus, we’ll calculate the overall value by determining the maximum amount attainable with the offer as well as how much money is required upfront costs to maximize the offer. The more favorable the reward-risk ratio is, the higher the score.
  • Payment options: As a general rule of thumb, the more payment options a sportsbook has, the better. Moving money into and out of your sportsbook account should always be a quick and painless process, and by providing more options, sportsbooks are able to make things more convenient and hassle-free for their users.
  • Betting app: Sports betting apps in Massachusetts is the go-to option for most gamblers, with bets placed through a mobile app accounting for roughly 60% of all sports wagers placed in the U.S. in a given year. To score this section, we take a look at app store reviews, app design, user experience, frequency of updates, and overall performance.
  • Variety and features: Like with payment options, more features to set the sportsbook apart will be better. The selection of available sports to wager on, bet types, the frequency and variety of betting bonuses bonuses, and other unique traits like streaming services and rewards programs, will all factor into the score for this section.
  • Customer service: Finally, we’ve tested the customer service for channels offered at the sportsbook. We consider the responsiveness and professionalism from the support teams as well as the FAQ information available to help you resolve your own issues if they should arise.

Advantages and disadvantages of betting using Massachusetts online sportsbooks

Betting online is often the most convenient way to play, making it a very favorable option for MA gamblers. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of betting using Massachusetts online sportsbooks.

Advantages

  • Online sportsbooks don’t require travel: Betting in person requires travel to a designated retail location, costing you both time and gas money to place your wagers. Beyond that cost, the odds can change from the time to leave for the sportsbook to the time you arrive, making your wager less profitable before you can place it.
  • Bonuses: Sportsbooks won’t give away bonuses just for walking to a betting kiosk or casino cage. However, online, you could be able to access many types of MA sportsbook bonuses such as bonus bets, odds boosts, second chance wagers, and more! You could also be eligible for lucrative loyalty program rewards.
  • Safety: You might think cybersecurity isn’t as safe as betting in person, but the inverse is actually true! Do you really want to be carrying large amounts of cash to the casino or retail sportsbook to be able to place your wager or when you collect your winnings? Sports betting apps and web-based platforms are extremely safe and secure as they must prove they can meet strict consumer safety requirements established by the MGC.

Disadvantages

  • Distractions: Betting on an online sportsbook or through a mobile app can lead to tons of distractions any time you get a notification, change the song you’re listening to, or when the kids call as you’re shopping the lines. You may have even found your mind drifting elsewhere while reading this piece (we promise we’re not mad!). Distractions are all around, and it can be easy to lose track of how much time and money you’re spending on your bets.
  • Atmosphere: Some bettors love to place a wager, go to the bar or restaurant connected to the sportsbook, and watch their bet play out on the TV screens throughout the venue with other gamblers. While technology has come a long way, it can’t replicate the atmosphere of an in-person betting experience.
  • Battery drain: If you’re gambling on the go, sports betting apps, web browsing, and live streaming can quickly drain the battery on your phone, computer, or mobile device. Without a charger nearby, you could be out of luck.

Physical locations of all retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts


In-person betting is still the preference for some seasoned gambling veterans, and you’re rarely more than two hours away from a retail sportsbook in Massachusetts. Here are the physical locations in the commonwealth where you can place a wager.

  • MGM Springfield (BetMGM): The MGM Springfield features 18 betting kiosks, five betting windows, and an in-venue bar with tabletop gaming machines so you’ve always got a way to play. The sportsbook opens at 11 AM on weekdays and 10 AM on the weekends, with the bar open at 10 AM daily for your viewing pleasure. Address: 1 MGM Way Springfield, MA 01103
  • Plainridge Park Casino (ESPN Bet): The sportsbook at Plainridge Park Casino is still in operation even after Barstool transitioned to ESPN Bet. Gamblers can take advantage of the betting kiosks while grabbing food and drinks at the bar and restaurant. Address: 301 Washington St Plainville, MA 02762
  • Encore Boston Harbor (WynnBET): Encore Boston Harbor has more than 70 TVs set up throughout the venue so you’re virtually guaranteed to find the game you’re looking for. You can also reserve a betting suite if you’re wanting to get a group of friends together for a one-of-a-kind betting experience! Address: 1 Broadway Everett, MA 02149

10 interesting facts about MA sportsbooks

Massachusetts has some of the top sportsbooks anywhere in the country, and the list of licensed operators may continue to grow. Here are 10 interesting facts about MA sportsbooks.

  • DraftKings Sportsbook was founded in Boston in 2012. Its massive popularity throughout the state made it the first sportsbook to surpass $1 billion in sports betting handle.
  • BetMGM forged the first sports betting partnership with a Massachusetts team, becoming the official partner of the Boston Red Sox in March 2023.
  • Massachusetts was the 36th state to legalize sports betting.
  • In-person sports betting in the commonwealth launched in January 2023 with online betting launching in March of the same year.
  • As a state, Massachusetts passed the $3 billion sports betting milestone in September 2023, just nine months after sports betting launched.
  • Bruins legend Ray Bourque was among the first to place a wager at BetMGM in Massachusetts, wagering $100 on the Bruins to win the 2023 Stanley Cup. Patriots receiver Julian Edelman also went big on the local angle with an $11,000 wager on the Celtics to win the 2023 NBA Finals. Unfortunately, neither was successful.
  • Experts anticipate that Massachusetts sportsbooks will generate between $30-60 million annually in tax revenue for the state.
  • Each of Massachusetts’ “Big Four” sports teams has DraftKings as its designated DFS partner. However, the New England Revolution has yet to partner with any sportsbook or DFS site in the state, though Major League Soccer has a sponsorship deal with BetMGM.
  • bet365 originally applied for one of the first online sports betting licenses in the state but it backed out of the deal and has yet to reapply.
  • WynnBET has the lowest hold percentage (good for bettors) among Massachusetts sportsbooks at around 5.8%. BetMGM is the highest at around 13%.

Differences between online and retail sportsbooks in MA

The biggest difference between online and retail sportsbooks in MA is where you play: online is from a desktop computer or mobile device while retail sportsbooks require in-person play. However, there are a few other key differences to note and consider.

First, retail sportsbooks and online sportsbooks see winnings taxed at different rates. In Massachusetts, retail sportsbooks see a 15% excise tax on winnings; this percentage jumps up to 20% for online betting.

Another key difference is the availability of bonuses and loyalty rewards. Retail sportsbooks won’t hand you a bonus bet or give you a second chance to win with the same stake following a loss, but either could be within reach when betting online.

Finally, social engagement and interaction are another noticeable difference. While online operators have tried to make platforms more social by showcasing trending parlays or highlighting recent winners, there’s no great way to replicate the atmosphere of a retail location.

How to recognize offshore sportsbooks and why you should avoid them

Offshore sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks have been around for years, but because they operate outside of any state or federal jurisdiction, they aren’t held to the same standards for fair play, customer service/protection, banking, and cybersecurity and should be avoided for these reasons. You also won’t be able to have any legal claim to winnings if the offshore bookie engages in any shady behaviors, meaning you could see a winning wager canceled or paid out at a much smaller and more drawn-out rate than with a legal operator. Simply put, they aren’t safe.

You can recognize offshore sportsbooks and spot the differences from a legal operator by trying to find a “Legal” section on the offshore bookie’s platform. Legal Massachusetts bookmakers will proudly display their license from the MGC while offshore bookies will try to distract away from licenses or fail to make any MGC references on their site.

Additionally, you can tell based on the URL of the betting site. Legal operators will almost always end in a “.com” domain name while offshore books will likely have “.lv” or “.ag.”

Finally, any site offering to take cryptocurrency should raise a red flag. Because cryptocurrencies operate in an unregulated marketplace, licensed U.S. sportsbooks aren’t able to accept them as forms of payment. Because offshore books don’t need to abide by the same laws, they can choose to accept them, but again, this is a sign to stay away from a hazardous operation.

How to sign up for an online sportsbook in Massachusetts

Signing up for an online sportsbook in Massachusetts may look a bit different based on where you’re choosing to play, but there are a few steps that will be the same wherever you’re wagering, especially the personal information required by law when creating a sportsbook account. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to register.

  1. Get to the registration page: For your convenience, we’ve linked all of the registration pages for each licensed Massachusetts sportsbook directly on their specific reviews. You’ll also find any required bonus codes listed adjacent to the link.
  2. Create your login credentials: Once you’re on the sportsbook site, you’ll need to provide an email address and a password you’d like to use to access your account. You may also need to come up with a unique username and list your phone number to enable two-factor authentication during the login process.
  3. Input your personal information: As required by law, you’ll need to provide your legal name, date of birth, street address (no P.O. boxes allowed), and the last four digits of your social security number. This information will be used to verify your identity and ensure you’re legally allowed to bet in Massachusetts. It will be encrypted and safely transmitted to the betting operator, but if you feel your information was handled inappropriately, you should reach out to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission immediately.
  4. Agree to the terms of use: On the last step of the registration form, you’ll need to check a few boxes. These can include things like agreeing to the terms of service, acknowledging the sportsbook’s privacy policy, confirming that you aren’t prohibited from betting in Massachusetts because of your job, and opting-in to receiving promotional offers and Massachusetts sportsbook promo codes from the sportsbook.
  5. Submit your registration, make a deposit, and place your bets: Finally, click “Submit” on the sportsbook application and make a real-money deposit using the payment method of your choice. The amount you deposit is up to you, but you’ll want to be sure it is enough to qualify for the welcome bonus or to cover your first wager as part of the sign-up offer. From there, place your first bet and start your gambling journey!

Who regulates online sportsbooks in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates online sportsbooks in Massachusetts. The Commission also oversees casino operations, the state lottery, and horse racing in the state.

According to the MGC’s mission statement, the goal of the commission is “to create and maintain a fair, transparent, and participatory process” for Massachusetts’ gaming law expansions. Through issuing licenses, setting return-to-player requirements for casino play, and establishing standards for customer safety and harm reduction, the MGC maintains a level playing field for bettors and operators alike.

Massachusetts is home to six professional sports teams that compete in major leagues with several others that compete at a semi-professional or minor league level and may still be available at MA sportsbooks. Here are some of the most popular teams to bet on in Massachusetts.

  • New England Patriots: One of the more successful franchises in NFL history, the Patriots are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers with six Super Bowl wins for the most in the league. NFL betting dominates U.S. betting markets, with roughly four in every five gamblers placing an NFL wager at some point in a given calendar year.
  • Boston Celtics: Like the Patriots, the Celtics have been a gold standard for sports success, setting a new record for the most championships (18) in NBA history during the 2023-24 season. Boston won eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1967; no other NBA franchise has won more than three in a row.
  • Boston Red Sox: With a 162-game regular season, there are few Massachusetts teams that will present as many betting opportunities as the Red Sox. The Sox were the first MA team to partner with a sports gambling operator, inking a deal with BetMGM in March 2023.

Payment methods for online sportsbooks in Massachusetts

Each Massachusetts online sportsbook will have a list of payment methods that is slightly different than what other operators in the state make available. However, there are a few near-ubiquitous options you can count on virtually anywhere you play.

  • Debit cards: Though credit cards are still a nonviable payment method under Massachusetts law, debit cards are permitted and extremely convenient to use. Some operators will also allow you to withdraw winnings directly to the card you used when signing up with the sportsbook.
  • PayPal: While other online payment processors and e-wallets like Venmo, Google Pay, and Apple Pay are still working their way into prominence in gambling spaces, PayPal has soared above other options because of the low costs involved for both the bettors and the bookies.
  • Play+: Sportsbooks may choose to partner with Play+ to offer a service that is part-prepaid gift card and part-ATM card. Players can load funds onto the Play+ Card through a separate account to deposit at the sportsbook, then can take the card to an ATM after withdrawing their winnings to cash out.

The history of sportsbooks in Massachusetts

The history of sportsbooks in Massachusetts is still relatively young, but it has already seen several key acts of legislation as the industry continues to grow. Here are some of the key dates in the state’s sports betting history.

  • 2011: Governor Deval Patrick signs the Expanded Gaming Act, authorizing three resort casinos and one slot machine facility to begin operations in the state. These venues would eventually become the sites for the first in-person sports betting sites.
  • 2012: DraftKings begins its daily fantasy sports operations in Boston. The first contest was a one-on-one baseball competition, coinciding with MLB opening day.
  • 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, paving the way for states to pass their own laws regulating sports betting.
  • August 10, 2022: Governor Charlie Baker signs House Bill 5164, legalizing sports betting in the commonwealth.
  • January 31, 2023: Retail sports betting launches at three different locations around the state.
  • March 10, 2023: The first online sports bets are placed in Massachusetts as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Barstool, WynnBET, and Caesars launch their online platforms statewide.
  • April 2023: Less than two months after online sports betting went live, sportsbooks took in more than $1 billion in betting handle.
  • May 8, 2023: Betr becomes the seventh sportsbook to launch in the state thanks to an effort by Jake Paul, the founder of Betr and a prominent social media personality.

FAQ

Can I play DFS on online sportsbooks in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can play DFS in Massachusetts, but most operators with DFS and sportsbook platforms tend to keep the two separate. This is to help further differentiate daily fantasy sports contests from more traditional sports betting. In some states, DFS contests and sports gambling have different age requirements, though, in MA, you must be 21 to participate in either of the two.

Are online sportsbooks available in Massachusetts?

Yes, online sportsbooks are available in Massachusetts. There are eight sportsbooks that currently operate in MA: ESPN Bet, BetMGM, Betr, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and WynnBET.

Is it safe to bet on Massachusetts sportsbooks?

Yes, it is safe to bet on Massachusetts sportsbooks. Gambling platforms that are licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) are required to maintain rigid standards for consumer safety and fair play. Sportsbooks that don’t comply with MGC regulations are subject to massive fines and legal consequences including losing their license to operate in MA, so you can trust these licensed platforms are safe to use.

What is the minimum age to sign up for MA sportsbooks?

The minimum age to sign up for MA sportsbooks is 21. The 21+ age requirement covers all sports gambling and daily fantasy sports (DFS) contest entry under Massachusetts law.

Do sportsbooks in Massachusetts track your IP and location?

Yes, sportsbooks in Massachusetts will track your IP and location. This is to ensure that you are physically located within the state while making your wagers and verify that you are gambling in a legal manner. They will not track your browser history, social media accounts, or any other online data.

Which sportsbooks provide the best bonuses in MA?

The “best” sportsbook bonuses in MA will vary from player to player depending on things like what betting odds they like to play and how budget-friendly each offer is. DraftKings and FanDuel tend to have more frequent lower-end promos while Caesars and BetMGM tend to have welcome bonuses totaling $1,000 in bonus bets or more.

How fast can I cash out my MA sportsbook winnings?

Depending on the operator you’re using and the transaction type, you can usually cash out your MA sportsbook winnings within 24 hours for a review period. Then, it can take another 1-3 business days for funds to reach your bank account.

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.