Massachusetts legislature passed a bill legalizing sports betting in the state on Aug. 1. The bill awaits an inevitable signature from Gov. Charlie Baker before it’s passed into law. The bill allows up to 15 online sports betting licenses in a state projected to be popular for betting. A launch date is TBD, but what sportsbooks may we see operate in Massachusetts when that day comes?
Keep up to date with TheLines for legal sports betting news in MA and other states in the US.
What Online Sportsbooks Will Operate In Massachusetts?
One of the US’s biggest operators, DraftKings, is based out of Boston. When neighboring New Hampshire launched its sports betting in 2019, DraftKings Sportsbook won exclusive rights to mobile sports betting in the state by offering 51% of its revenue. While a mobile book monopoly is unlikely in Massachusetts, we’re guaranteed to see DK operating in MA.
Another guarantee is Barstool Sports, who operate their own sportsbook. CEO Dave Portnoy is a Massachusetts native and a staunch Boston sports fan. Finally, WynnBet will have a bid to operate in MA, as they already have a brick and mortar casino in the heart of Boston.
The three other major operators in the US– FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM– will almost certainly acquire licenses in-state.
Other books having made pushes in states to recently legalize sports betting like Kansas and Ohio that we could see in Massachusetts include Bally Bet and BetRivers Sportsbook.
Will There Be Retail Sports Betting?
If filling out physical bet slips is your thing, Massachusetts will have that. According to an NJ.com report, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor (Wynn) will install in-person sportsbooks. The state’s racetracks, Suffolk Downs (Boston) and Raynham Park (Raynham) will also feature retail betting lounges.
As the process continues in the state, more physical locations may be announced. In the meantime check back in with TheLines for updates on legal sports betting in MA.
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