Massachusetts Sports Betting

ꦰ In early 2023, Massachusetts became another state to make sports betting legally available both online and retail. Although there’s still plenty more to come, Massachusetts sports betting is already able to boast many of the industry’s top names. So, if you’re from The Bay State and have been waiting to legally bet on your favorite sports online, the time is now!

Best Betting Sites for Sports Betting in Massachusetts

Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

✱ Prior to 2018, online sports betting in general was prohibited on a federal level, but the overturning of PASPA has allowed individual states to determine for themselves whether they wish to offer sports betting.

As of Friday March 10th, 2023, online sports betting Massachusetts was live and legal♌. Retail sports betting had already been launched at the end of January.

✤ This allows for anyone within the state to bet on sports so long as they are within the state and of the legal age of 21. This includes mobile betting via apps or optimized browser versions of desktop platforms.

💧 This is thanks to the passing of bill H 5164 — a compromise between the house and senate, which looked unlikely to happen right up until they passed their own deadline and came to a decision in the early hours of the morning.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline

• 1638ꦆ: The Puritans pass a law banning all games of chance.

• 1745♔: The ban on lotteries is overturned to help King George of England fund a war against France.

• 1934⭕: Massachusetts Senate Bill 0179 legalizes par-mutual betting on horse and dog racing.

• 1993🅘: PASPA is passed, essentially outlawing sports betting at a federal level over several years.

• 2016ℱ: Fantasy sports betting is legalized in a temporary law.

• 2018ඣ: PASPA is overturned, opening the door for legal sports betting in Massachusetts.

• 2011ꦗ: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is established, initially to oversee horse racing.

• 2022⛎: Bill H. 5164, also known as the Massachusetts Legal Sports Betting Bill, is passed in the early hours of the morning.

• 2023ཧ: Both retail and online Massachusetts sports betting are launched.

Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Massachusetts

⛦ The most recent Massachusetts sports betting update is a positive one, with the licensing of several top global operators and an astronomical surge in state revenue. Their November 2023 Revenue Report states that there was $48,946,320 of taxable gaming revenue, which comes out at $9,770,754 in tax collected.

It’s no small change and that is thanks to a tax rate of 20% for online licenses and 15% for retail ones🧜. There are states with smaller business tax rates, but the revenue speaks for itself as a huge success.

There’s also the tax rate on the gamblers themselves to consider. Whether it’s mobile gambling or retail, Massachusetts simply views gambling winnings as another form of income. That means your yearly takings are subject to a flat tax rate based on your income and marital status, with tax rates between 10 and 37%. Gambling losses are deductible.

🌺 This process is simplified with form W-2G, which is the easiest way to report your winnings, because if you meet the mandatory reporting thresholds, the operator is required to send both you and the IRS a copy. These minimums include winning more than $600 in one wager or winning more than 300 times your original stake.

Top Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

1. FanDuel – More Than One Reason To Sign Up

If FanDuel were either solely a great fantasy betting site or the complete traditional sportsbook they’ve become, they would warrant a place on this list. Either way you prefer to bet, they manage to strike a balance between above and beyond usability, complete with tutorials for newcomers, a level of betting depth💖 and options that only the elite of the industry can come close to.

🦂 Their odds are competitive and include some quite obscure events in immense depth. They’re especially great for pre-selected Parlay options, which can help you craft exciting accas without much effort.

Even if you decide to go with something else, the “Parlay Hub” is a wonderful place to spot betting opportunities🅰. And all of this is just as comprehensively available on either of their fantastic Massachusetts mobile legal sports betting apps.

🧔 I can’t imagine any legal sports betting in Massachusetts alternative to have a more all-embracing appeal.

2. BetMGM – Immensely Generous at Every Step

Every single operator you see in this list offers some fantastic promotions, so it’s no small compliment that I’m singling BetMGM out for their consistent giveaways. It’s not just the massive up to $1,500 welcome bonus if your first bet doesn’t win, but also a promotional page that is working overtime.

🦩 Such size and standards are also true of the terrific collection of betting markets available here. Choose from a great mix of American favorites for local sports betting in Massachusetts or big international tournaments with live coverage (including livestreaming) available wherever possible.

While the design isn’t quite as easy-breezy as some on this list, it’s technically reliable and well structured, so you should find it a delight to use with a small amount of practice. This is especially the case considering that you can choose a version of the site specifically tailored to Massachusetts🅠 legal sports betting, thereby putting the most relevant markets and promotions to you at the forefront.

3. ESPN BET – Ideal for Many Bay Staters

ESPN BET, a trusted brand and household name, will have massive appeal to many in the state, and they certainly live up to the hype. Their sports focus may largely be on those already popular in the States, but I know for lots of readers, that’s exactly what they’re looking for. And on those events, the markets coverage is mammoth and the odds top-tier across the board.

💫 Moreover, the fundamentals are sound, customer service is constant, promotions are fair and easy to understand, and both mobile and desktop options are very accessible. They even go above and beyond with play-by-play information, using Massachusetts sports betting news and making the most of their TV credentials.

4. Caesars Sportsbook – An International All-Star

Caesars purchased William Hill back in 2021, which might be how they manage to be so comprehensive when it comes to global markets. If you want to go beyond what is typically offered in Massachusetts or even the States, this is the place to be. Huge sports coverageﷺ, big and small events from all across the world, with odds that never drop standards.

꧟ And these are made even better with a fantastic promotional page. The welcome offers kick things off with a bang and that is then continued with Caesars Rewards. I don’t think any other legal sports betting in Massachusetts option has so many ways and incentives to play. And the site is as sturdy, beautifully structured, and technically impeccable, making it one of the best sports betting app Massachusetts can provide.

ꦿ This is a great site if you’re looking for a true jack of all trades, one without much in the way of gimmicks but just provides a solid betting experience throughout.

5. Fanatics – A Mobile Marvel

This is a mobile-only operatorᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ, so if you prefer to place your bets on a computer, you’ll have to go with another option. However, if you’re looking for a Massachusetts sports betting app, there’s arguably none better.

ꦦ They’ve got a massive 4.7 rating on the Apple App Store, and considering the variety of excellent odds on offer as part of a world class, in-depth yet ultra intuitive platform, I’m not surprised. Were this all they provided, that would be enough.

But they’re also one of the most innovative option Massachusetts sports betting has yet produced, with FanCash providing percentage across various bets꧒, tons of odds boost, and a withdrawal tracker so you can keep on top of your winnings at every step.

Best of all is the personalized aspect, this sports betting app remembers your habits and provides unique promotions and recommendations just for you.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Apps

🦩 Massachusetts mobile sports betting is already up there amongst the best places to bet portably in the United States. That’s because every single one of my favorite operators also have excellent mobile options on both iOS and Android for you to enjoy.

Therefore, if you like to bet on the go, you’ll never need to compromise with Massachusetts sports betting apps.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Promotions

💦 The quality and variety of options already available in The Bay State is staggering, and one of the things that makes it so interesting is the collection of world-class Massachusetts sports betting promos that are already available. Let's take a look at a couple of my favorites to give you an idea of the type of offers available.

BetMGM: Up to $1500 as a Refund in Bonus Bets If You Don’t Win First Time

Perhaps the best way of thinking about this kind of promotion is that it offers you two opportunities to win your first bet. Because if you fail the first time, you’ll be given the stake amount back in a free bet which must be wagered, so essentially you get to try again with $1,500 BetMGM bonus as your maximum.

💞 All that’s required from you is to sign up, download the app, and make a bet of $10 or more. If you lose, the same amount will be given back to you, available for use on both parlays and straight bets within seven days. Great terms and suitability for casual players and big bettors alike make this a real standout.

FanDuel: Get Up to $150 When You Bet $5

If you’re feeling optimistic about your initial chances, then this mammoth welcome offer from FanDuel could be perfect. Deposit 10 bucks and make a moneyline wager of $5. If it wins, you receive $150 worth of bonusesဣ available to use multiple times straight from your bet slip on all markets except round robins. The best betting promotions are those which help you explore a site, and I’d say that $150 for such a small initial deposit and bet perfectly fulfills those criteria.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Law & Regulations

💯 It's time for all the relevant practicalities. For instance, is sports betting legal in Massachusetts? Absolutely. But there are variables between states, so here are the other key things you will want to know to ensure you’re not let down by any sports betting apps Massachusetts has to offer.

Legal Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

Sports betting in Massachusetts may still be in its rookie year but there are already plenty of fantastic places to bet on your favorite sports🦹 both online and in-person. Wondering what sports betting apps are legal in Massachusetts right now? Here’s everything we know, alongside the physical locations.

Massachusetts Online & Mobile Sportsbooks

Land-Based Massachusetts Sportsbooks

Popular Sports To Bet on in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a state of truly versatile sporting tastes. A mixture of American and international sports are part and parcel of their cultural make-up🎃. I’ve selected three of the most popular to provide just a small example, including events specific promotions, from Massachusetts sports betting sites.

Best Local Sports Teams To Bet on

It’s only the professional Massachusetts teams you can bet on as there are additional rules for in-state college teamsಞ. The good news here is that this great sporting state is a major player across several top-tier professional leagues. For instance, legalized sports betting Massachusetts can allow you to bet on the following thrilling local sports teams.

Benefits of Regulated Massachusetts Online Sports Betting

𒈔 With legalized sports betting in Massachusetts becoming a reality, there are plenty of benefits for those sports fans in the Bay State looking to place wagers. Below are five key difference of legal Massachusetts sports betting today to showcase how far the industry in the state has come in a short amount of time.

1. Your Personal Safety

ജ If you choose to bet online in a state where gambling is illegal, then you are either obscuring your location from the operator or that betting site is operating illegally. Either way, should there be any dispute regarding payouts, you will have virtually no ability to attempt to retrieve those funds since you have wagered them outside the confines of the law.

Furthermore, a site that is already operating without a license is much more likely to lack in security, including the absence of encryption, having unfair or dishonest terms, and in general ways in which you could find yourself ripped off. Only ever use legal sports betting Massachusetts sites.

2. A Focus on Massachusetts Sports

An additional benefit to the Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill is that there are betting sites which are focused solely on providing the best online gaming experience possible for the people of that jurisdiction. This means there’s more coverage of local sports and competitions, with competitive odds.

3. No Need for Cryptocurrency

As mentioned, without the Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill, your options were limited. Most people in an illegal gambling state who wish to circumvent the law do so with cryptocurrency betting. And sites which offer crypto can be excellent, but it certainly isn’t for everyone, and the ability to play with the American dollar massively broadens their appeal.

4. Promotional Access

Another problem with using betting sites you’re not legally supposed to is that you’re probably going to be locked out of all the promotions. Well, since sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, it includes full access to a huge selection of bonus offers tailored specifically to your jurisdiction.

5. Still More To Come

🐎 Because it’s still such early days, it’s important to note that we haven’t seen every operator, promotion or benefit that will come from legalization. And that, in itself, is another reason to be excited for the future of Massachusetts online sports betting!

How To Bet on Sports in Massachusetts

✤ Betting online in Massachusetts is both legal and easy. Here’s all you need to know, step by step, to get started legally betting on your favorite sports.

Step One: Research Your Options

There are currently eight sportsbooks for you to choose from🐟, with a couple more on the way, but it’s still a small enough number for you to check them out and see which best suits your play style. I recommend you start with my picks as I think they represent the best the state has to offer right now.

Step Two: Register With Whatever Best Suits Your Play Style

꧑ Found the right one for you? Time to register. This should be a standard form, and some might even allow you to sign up using your Google or social media accounts. If not, just fill in the basic information, confirm your age and that you accept the terms, and you’re good to go.

Step Three: Add Some Funds

Some, like FanDuel, might actually let you play for free to try them out, and no-deposit offers are possible. However, if you do need to add funds, now’s the time to do it. If you think you still might change your mind, then make sure that you only deposit a small amount to start off with. This is generally done by choosing a payment method on a deposit page, filling out the relevant info, and confirming the amount you wish to add. Most methods are instant.

Step Four: Select a Market

🦩 Now, it's time to scour the betting markets available and choose one you wish to bet on.

Step Five: Place Your Bet

ཧ Once one is found, you’ll generally have to click the odds to add them to your bet slip. You can then add how much you wish to bet, and the returns will be made clear to you. If you’re happy with what’s offered, confirm your bet.

You can withdraw your winnings by again providing some simple payment info and telling them how much you wish to take out. Withdrawal can take up to a week depending on the payment method.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Facts

Massachusetts Sports Betting Handle

The Bay State is looking at a huge sports betting handle for 2023 with well over $3 billion bet so far. Total revenue based on the most recent information I could find was $3,673,884,253, which amounts to $71,959,964. It will be higher than that when all is said and done in 2023, especially when you consider that the biggest Massachusetts sports betting handle came at $654.4 million wagered on sports in November — up 12% from the previous month.

ℱ This is believed to in part be down to the addition of ESPN BET to the lineup of operators, which means that higher handles are likely as more betting sites join an already star-studded selection.

Responsible Gaming in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill made it clear that responsible gaming would be taken very seriously☂ as part of ongoing legislation and the provision of licenses.

♌ For instance, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission utilizes a framework to commit to corporate social responsibility, support positive play, ensure responsible marketing, carefully manage high-risk financial transactions; it promotes public health and safety in the retail environments, engages the community and commits to ongoing improvement and reporting.

What this means on a practical level is that every operator you utilize should have a serious responsible gaming policy﷽. This may include links to the likes of the , and the , alongside practical tools such as time-outs, deposit limits and reality checks.

States With Legal Sports Betting

I’m happy to say that if you’re a US citizen, you are more likely to be in a jurisdiction where sports betting is legal than not. The current total stands at over 30 states offering legal betting🐠, as you can see from the full list of legal sports betting states below:

ThePuntersPage Final Say

🔯 It’s great to see that a great sporting state like Massachusetts finally has legal access to sportsbooks worthy of this historic slice of New England. The operators that have already jumped in to take advantage of sports betting in Massachusetts are some of the finest globally.

🔜 Having taken a closer look, it’s clear they are doing everything they can to make their Massachusetts offering as compelling as possible. This means competitive odds, great platforms (including magnificent mobile options), top-tier customer service, plus exciting and generous promotions. Things will surely get even better, but I can recommend finding one that suits you right now.

Massachusetts Resources