Massachusetts Sports Betting | Online And Retail Guide

Massachusetts is home to one of the most complete sports betting markets in New England. Retail sportsbooks officially launched on January 31, 2023, followed by a statewide rollout of online and mobile apps on March 10, 2023.

These launches came after Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5164 into law in August 2022, legalizing both in-person and online sports wagering. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) oversees licensing, regulation, and compliance for all operators, ensuring that every legal sportsbook meets strict standards for integrity and consumer protection.

Today, bettors can place wagers at three casinos: Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and MGM Springfield, or through approved mobile apps such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.

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Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Yes. Both retail and online sports betting are fully legal in Massachusetts. Players aged 21 or older who are physically located within state lines can wager on sports through licensed operators.

The MGC regulates all forms of sports wagering, from app approvals to auditing betting markets. Bettors can rest assured that legal sportsbooks must maintain transparency in odds, payouts, and account security.

What you can and can’t bet on

Most major professional leagues are available, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, PGA, UFC, and international soccer. However, Massachusetts law places limits on college sports:

• Allowed: Betting on out-of-state college teams and NCAA tournaments with four or more teams (e.g., March Madness).
• Prohibited: Betting on individual in-state college games or player props involving Massachusetts schools (e.g., Boston College or UMass).

Additionally, the state restricts betting on certain events such as the Olympics, chess, cornhole, and eSports, though regulators have signaled these may be revisited in future rule updates.

Legal Massachusetts sports betting sites and apps

As of September 2025, 11 operators have received approval to offer online sports betting in the Commonwealth. These include both tethered apps (partnered with a local casino) and untethered apps that operate independently under MGC approval.

Note: As of mid-2025, ESPN BET has officially replaced Barstool Sportsbook following the PENN Entertainment rebrand. Massachusetts residents can download any approved app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Location verification (geolocation) is required for every wager to ensure compliance with state law.

Retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts

Three casino resorts currently offer full retail sportsbook experiences:

• Encore Boston Harbor (Everett) – Operated by Wynn Resorts; includes a luxury sportsbook lounge with wall-to-wall screens.
• MGM Springfield – Features BetMGM kiosks, live tellers, and bar-style seating for watching major games.
• Plainridge Park Casino – Originally partnered with Barstool, now branded as ESPN BET Sportsbook.

Each venue provides ticket windows, self-service kiosks, and live viewing areas for local and national sporting events.

How to start betting online in Massachusetts

Getting started with legal sports betting in Massachusetts is quick and beginner-friendly

1. Choose a Legal Sportsbook: Select from any of the licensed operators listed above. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are currently the most popular due to their intuitive apps, strong odds, and ongoing promotions.
2. Create Your Account: Provide your name, address, date of birth, email, and the last four digits of your SSN for identity verification. Only individuals aged 21+ located within Massachusetts can legally register.
3. Download the App: Apps are available in the App Store and Google Play. You can also visit an operator’s website to register and download directly.
4. Deposit Funds: Most sportsbooks accept: Debit/Credit Cards, ACH/e-check, PayPal, Venmo, Play+ Card, online banking, and cash at the casino cage. Deposits usually clear instantly; withdrawals depend on method - PayPal and cash at cage are fastest.
5. Claim a Welcome Bonus: New players typically receive a bonus bet or first-bet insurance offer. Always read the terms and wagering requirements (usually 1× or 20×, depending on the operator).
6. Place a Bet: Choose your sport and market - from NFL spreads to NBA same-game parlays or MLB player props. Confirm the odds, enter your stake, and tap Place Bet.
7. Withdraw Winnings: Withdraw via your original deposit method when possible. Processing times range from instant (cash/PayPal) to 3-5 business days (bank transfer).

Massachusetts sports betting timeline

Here’s a full look at the key moments that shaped Massachusetts’ journey to legalized wagering:

March 10, 2023 - Mobile sports betting launches in Massachusetts.

February 9, 2023 - The MGC sets March 10 as the official launch date for online sportsbooks.

January 31, 2023 - Retail sportsbooks open at Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino.

January 20, 2023 – The MGC approved 6 untethered sports betting licenses to Bally’s, Betr, Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet. This brings the total to 11 online licenses approved for launch.

December 24, 2022 - Lawmakers announce January 31, 2023, as the official target launch day for Massachusetts retail sports betting launch.

December 21, 2022 - The MGC approves BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook for mobile betting licenses, and MGM Springfield for retail licenses.

December 13, 2022 - The MGC awarded WynnBET with the first online sports betting license.

December 8, 2022 - The MGC granted its first sports betting license to Encore Boston Harbor. This is a retail sports betting license and was voted unanimously.

October 28, 2022 - The MGC denied DraftKings consideration and will stick with set sports betting timeline.

October 26, 2022 - DraftKings representatives reached out to the MGC urging them to reconsider the current sports betting timeline.

October 19, 2022 - The MGC announces that 29 operators are vying for sports betting licenses. The list includes Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

October 6, 2022 - During an MGC open meeting, lawmakers present a sports betting launch aggressive timeline. The target is for retail to be live in January and online sports betting live by February 2023.

September 30, 2022 - The MGC releases the Promulgation of Sports Wagering in Massachusetts update, including a milestone chart showing what they have accomplished thus far.

September 22, 2022 - Several sportsbook entities aiming to launch in Massachusetts discussed their concerns over the temporary license issues with the MGC.

September 15, 2022 - The temporary license hearing held by the MGC ended without rules being set. The language surrounding the rules of the temporary licenses and the potential for sportsbooks to launch and be forced to shut down operations led to the delay.

September 8, 2022 - The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) held its first meeting covering the rules for the Massachusetts sports betting market.

August 10, 2022 - H 5164 is signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker, officially regulating sports betting in Massachusetts.

August 1, 2022 - Lawmakers in Massachusetts successfully pass H 5164 and advances the bill to the Governors desk. Once signed, regulated sports betting will be law in Massachusetts.

April 29, 2022 - S 2844 passes in the Massachusetts State Senate and advances to the House for consideration.

April 25, 2022 - Both the House and Senate host sports betting bills. The House is looking to push H 3993 while the Senate is pushing S 269.

September 14, 2021 - Governor Charlie Baker publicly pushes for sports betting in Massachusetts.

Popular sports teams to bet on in Massachusetts

Sports culture runs deep in Massachusetts, and the new legal market gives fans a way to back their favorite teams responsibly.

• NFL: New England Patriots
• NBA: Boston Celtics
• MLB: Boston Red Sox
• NHL: Boston Bruins
• MLS: New England Revolution

Each franchise drives heavy betting volume, particularly during playoff runs. Futures markets for championship winners are among the most popular in the region.

Taxes, Payouts & Regulation

Sportsbook operators pay a 15% tax on gross online revenue and 20% on retail revenue, generating tens of millions annually for state programs such as education and infrastructure.

Winnings for players are subject to federal and state income taxes. Sportsbooks may issue a Form W-2G for large payouts. Always keep betting records if you plan to deduct losses on your tax return.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission monitors operator conduct, financial reporting, advertising compliance, and responsible-gaming programs.

Responsible Gambling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the nation’s leaders in responsible-gaming standards. Licensed sportsbooks must provide built-in tools, including:

Support resources include:

• Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health - Gamesensema.com
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Self-Exclusion Program: Available through any MGC-licensed operator

Massachusetts Sports Betting FAQ