The Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, and Massachusetts followed suit towards the end of 2022. Online, mobile and retail forms of sports betting are now live and legal in The Bay State.
Massachusetts residents can now bet at six online and mobile betting sites, and while all of them are reputable, some are better than others. Here is a comprehensive guide on sports betting in Massachusetts and an overview of the best sites.
Sport Betting Sites Regulation in Massachusetts at a Glance
✅ Legal since August 10, 2022.
✅ Regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
✅ Online, mobile, and retail sports betting options are available.
✅ Six betting sites are currently operating.
✅ 15% and 20% retail and mobile tax rates, respectively.
Top 3 Massachusetts Betting Sites for 2024
Six sports betting sites and mobile apps are currently operational in Massachusetts. All six betting sites are impressive, but the following three are the best:
- Trustworthy reputation
- Comprehensive coverage of sports and leagues
- User-friendly website and mobile app
- Live streaming available on selected sports
- Excellent sign-up bonuses
- Easy deposit and withdrawal process
- Placing a bet is straightforward
- The interface on the website and app is intuitive and easy to use
- It is easy to find the odds for the particular bet you want to make
Massachusetts bettors must be 21+ and present to place wagers in the state. Full T&Cs apply. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling and needs support, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org/ to speak with a trained specialist. The helpline is available 24/7, is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
Best Massachusetts Betting Apps
Mobile betting is convenient because you can wager on your favorite sports on the go, from anywhere, and at any time. Fortunately, all six betting sites currently operational in Massachusetts have native mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, as listed below:
| Rank | Betting Site | Why Play Here | Go to Site |
| #1 | BetMGM | User-friendly mobile layout and interface for an easy and enjoyable betting experience. | Visit |
| #2 | DraftKings | Access a robust live betting section with hundreds of betting markets available anytime. | Visit |
| #3 | Barstool Sportsbook (Soon to be ESPN Sportsbook) | Track all your bets across the desktop site and mobile apps using an innovative feature known as BetSync.. | Visit (Coming Soon) |
| #4 | Caesars Sportsbook | Access numerous betting markets and make diverse bet types via mobile. | Visit |
| #5 | WynnBET | Get $100 worth of free bets when you wager $20 on your first bet. | Visit |
Best Massachusetts Betting Sites for Beginners
| Rank | Betting Site | Why Play Here | Go to Site |
| #1 | BetMGM | Full list of sports, leagues and bet types covered | Visit |
| #2 | DraftKings | Live streaming available on my sports | Visit |
| #4 | Caesars Sportsbook | Intuitive interface | Visit |
All six betting sites currently operational in Massachusetts offer generous welcome bonuses and are easy to use, even for beginners still learning their way around sports betting. However, getting used to Barstool Sportsbook may take time, so only the following five betting sites are ideal for beginners:
New Betting Sites in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission launched online and mobile sports betting on March 10, 2023, making all sports betting sites relatively new. All online and mobile betting sites launched on March 10, 2023, but some retail sportsbooks launched earlier.
| Betting Site | Date of Launch | Go to Site |
| BetMGM | January 31, 2023 (Retail) / March 10, 2023 (Online & Mobile) | Visit |
| WynnBET | March 10, 2023 (Online & Mobile) | Visit |
| DraftKings | March 10, 2023 (Online & Mobile) | Visit |
| FanDuel | March 10, 2023 (Online & Mobile) | Visit |
| Caesars Sportsbook | March 10, 2023 (Mobile & Online) / March 31, 2023 (Retail) | Visit |
| Barstool Sportsbook (Soon to be ESPN Sportsbook | January 31, 2023 (Retail) / March 10, 2023 (Mobile & Online) | Visit (Coming Soon) |
All Betting Sites Available in Massachusetts
- FanDuel
- WynnBET
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook (Soon to be ESPN Sportsbook)
Best Massachusetts Betting Sites Bonuses & Promotions
Massachusetts betting sites offer generous bonuses and promotions to welcome new players and reward existing ones. The bonuses differ in type and have varying wagering requirements, and some betting sites are more generous than others. Here is an overview of the available bonus types in Massachusetts.
Ongoing Bonuses & Promotions
Ongoing bonuses and promotions are offers existing players can regularly claim, depending on the requirements. The types of ongoing bonuses and promotions available in Massachusetts include the following:
- Daily promotions
- Weekly promotions
- Even bonuses
- Parlay insurance
- Loyalty programs
- Referral bonuses
Massachusetts bettors must be 21+ and present to place wagers in the state. Full T&Cs apply. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling and needs support, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org/ to speak with a trained specialist. The helpline is available 24/7, is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
Types of Bonuses & Promotions Available in Massachusetts
New and existing players in Massachusetts can also claim diverse one-time and regular bonuses from their favorite betting sites. Other common and popular types of bonuses and promotions in the state include the following:
- Welcome Bonus: A welcome bonus is the first bonus exclusively available to new players. Welcome bonuses have varying requirements (such as making a deposit) that may make them similar to other bonus types on this list.
- Deposit Bonus: A deposit bonus is an offer that requires you to fund your account to qualify. You must deposit a certain amount at a specific time to qualify for the bonus, which can be a percentage of the deposit amount or a specific flat rate.
- No-Deposit Bonus: A no-deposit bonus is an offer you can claim without funding your account. However, these bonuses are rare among Massachusetts betting sites and usually have strict qualifying and wagering requirements.
- Bonus Bets: A bonus bet offers free betting money under varying requirements. Bonus bets have strict wagering requirements, and you can only download the winnings (not the stake money).
- Second-Chance Bonus Bets: A second-chance bonus bet essentially is a refund on your first bet; it only applies if it fails. Second-chance bonus bets are the most popular welcome bonus among Massachusetts sportsbooks.
- Odds Boosts: An odds boost is an increase in a bet’s standard odds to make them higher than normal. Odds boost to increase the potential payout and are usually based on specific games and bet types.
- Profits Boosts: A profit boost is an increase in your payout on select bets. Profit boosts are based on varying percentages, including up to and over 100% of your winnings.
Types of Bets Available in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission allows over ten bet types, enabling betting sites to offer bettors a flexible range of betting options and markets. Here is an overview of all bet types available on Massachusetts betting sites:
- Moneyline: A moneyline is a bet on which a team or player will win a game or match; simply choose a winner and place your stake. It is the simplest and most popular bet type in Massachusetts and the rest of the U.S.
- Totals (Over/Under): A total bet is based on the betting site’s predicted total score or points for both teams. Betting involves wagering whether the total score will be over or under the betting site’s estimate.
- Point Spreads: A point spreads bet involves wagering whether a team will win or lose by a specific number of points. Point spreads bets are especially popular when betting on football or basketball.
- Parlays: A parlay bet combines two or more wagers in one bet; all individual wagers must win for the parlay bet to win. Parlay bets are popular because they help boost odds, thus increasing the potential payout.
- Teasers: A teaser bet essentially is a parlay bet with adjustable spreads and odds, enabling bettors to minimize risks and maximize profits. Teaser bets are usually only available for select sports and betting markets.
- Pleasers: A pleaser bet is a wager on two potential outcomes in a single bet. Pleaser bets have adjustable odds, enabling bettors to increase their potential winnings.
- Futures: A futures bet is a wager on a future game’s (not yet played) possible outcomes. Futures bets are especially popular at the beginning of different sports seasons.
- Props: A prop (proposition) bet is a wager on random individual events that may happen during a game, such as a specific player scoring or getting injured. Prop bets are not tied to the game’s final outcome but to individual in-game events.
- Live Bets: A live bet, also known as an in-game or in-play bet, is a wager on an ongoing game or match. Live bets are only available for select games.
- Exchange Wagering: Exchange betting pits two bettors against each other, whereby they wager on opposing outcomes based on a single bet.
Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Massachusetts
Massachusetts betting sites offer thousands of betting options on diverse sports and leagues. The most popular sports categories and leagues to bet on in Massachusetts include the following:
- NFL (Football): Football is the most popular sport in Massachusetts, and the rest of the U.S. Massachusetts players can back the New England Patriots, which boasts six Super Bowl trophies, or any other team in the NFL.
- NBA (Basketball): Basketball fans can bet on the Massachusetts official basketball team, the Boston Celtics, which boasts 17 victories in the NBA play-off finals. They can also bet on any other team in the NBA.
- MLB (Baseball): Baseball betting is incredibly popular in Massachusetts. Interestingly, Massachusetts is home to the Red Sox, one of the best and most popular baseball teams in the U.S.
- NHL (Hockey): Massachusetts is home to the Boston Bruins, the oldest team in the NHL. Massachusetts betting sites offer diverse baseball bet types, including same-game parlays.
- College Sports: College sports betting in Massachusetts is only allowed for out-of-state college teams. You cannot bet on Massachusetts college sports teams unless they are participating in national tournaments, such as March Madness.
- Horse Racing: Horse racing is popular in Massachusetts. Interestingly, DraftKings is set to launch the DK Horse betting app just in time for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
- Golf: Golf betting is also popular in Massachusetts. Interestingly, the state is home to the Country Club at Brookline, a popular U.S. Open venue.
Features Available on a Massachusetts Betting Site
Massachusetts betting sites offer various features designed to make betting easy and enjoyable. The most common and popular features include the following:
- Live Streaming: A fun feature that broadcasts select games in real time.
- Cash Out: A convenient feature that lets you limit your losses or claim winnings by canceling ongoing bets.
- Bet Trackers: A list of all your past bets.
- Mobile Apps: Dedicated mobile applications for betting on the go.
How to Create an Account on a Massachusetts Betting Site
Registering as a new player on Massachusetts betting sites is quick and easy; the process usually takes less than five minutes. Signing up usually involves providing a basic ID and contact information, which you must verify to activate your new account. Here is a four-step guide on registering at any betting site in The Bay State:
- Step 1: Go to the website or download the mobile app and click/tap on the tab labeled ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Register’ to go to the registration form.
- Step 2: Fill in the requested details, including your full name, date of birth, email address, and current address.
- Step 3: Tick the boxes below your registration details to accept the betting site’s terms and conditions and then submit the registration form.
- Step 4: Verify your registration details by receiving and confirming an email or text message; some betting sites may also request copies of your ID and utility documents for further verification.
How to Deposit on a Massachusetts Betting Site
You must fund your player account to bet at any Massachusetts betting site. The deposit process is secure, quick, and easy, as explained in the following step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Log into your account and click the tab labeled ‘Deposit.’
- Step 2: Choose your preferred deposit method and enter the amount to deposit.
- Step 3: Authorize the transaction from your banking platform and check whether the amount reflects on your account.
Most Popular Deposit Methods on Massachusetts Betting Sites
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission doesn’t allow credit and debit cards. However, it will enable other diverse and popular deposit methods, including.
| Deposit Method | Best Feature |
| Online Bank Transfer: | Transfer money directly from your bank account without using third-party platforms. |
| Checks: | Write ACH and paper checks or authorize transfers digitally by issuing eChecks. |
| Online Wallets: | Transfer money quickly via the internet using e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill. |
| Prepaid Cards: | Prepaid cards work like credit and debit cards but are site-specific; the sportsbook must issue the card. |
| Cash: | You can wager using direct cash deposits at the retail sportsbooks. |
Sport Betting Laws & Regulations in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Sports Betting History
Massachusetts lawmakers debated House Bill 5164 and reached an agreement on July 31, 2022, passing it by a 36-4 vote. Governor Charlie Baker then reviewed the bill and passed it into law on August 10, 2022. However, sports betting sites launched only recently, on March 10, 2023. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has licensed six betting sites, with four more sportsbooks currently in consideration.
Current Sports Betting Situation in Massachusetts
Online, mobile, and retail sports betting are legal in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission allows over ten diverse bet types. Massachusetts bettors can wager on various sports categories and leagues, including college sports. However, Massachusetts college sports are off limits to sports betting, except when playing in national tournaments. The gaming commission also allows diverse types of bonuses and promotions.
The Next Step for Sports Betting Regulation in Massachusetts,
Massachusetts seeks to expand the sports betting market. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is reviewing licensing applications by four more betting sites. However, the commission hasn’t formally announced its plans, so bettors and bookies can only wait to see what comes up next.
Responsible Gambling in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission and betting sites offer diverse, reliable gambling solutions. The state government started investing in responsible gambling in 2011 when it legalized casinos. It does this by directing a portion of sports betting taxes to the Public Health Trust Fund while supporting many responsible public gambling organizations. Massachusetts betting sites also offer self-exclusion options, enabling players to indefinitely restrict their access to betting platforms.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Tax Rate
Massachusetts has two rates for online betting sites and retail sportsbooks. Online betting sites pay taxes at a rate of 20% of their gross revenues, while retail sportsbooks pay 15%. The state allocated the sports betting tax money to the following funds:
- General Fund (45%).
- Gaming Local Aid Fund (27.5%).
- Workforce Investment Trust Fund (17.5%).
- Public Health Trust Fund (9%).
- Youth Development & Achievement Fund (1%).
Massachusetts betting sites and retail sportsbooks can get a temporary license for $1 million. Alternatively, they can apply for a five-year license for $5 million, renewable for another five years.
