Last Updated Sep 23, 2022, 08:17 AM ET
Legal sports betting is coming to Massachusetts sometime during the 2022 NFL season. Most recently, FanDuel and Caesars filed notices of intent to apply for Massachusetts gaming licenses.
Sports bettors will eventually be able to register, claim bonuses, and place wagers with as many as 15 Massachusetts betting sites from anywhere in the Bay State.
Keep reading our Massachusetts sports betting guide to learn about the upcoming legal wagering market in MA.
As expected, Gov. Charlie Baker, a staunch advocate for Massachusetts sports betting, put pen to paper nine days after the state's sports wagering bill was passed. While a launch date has not been announced, legal wagering is on deck in MA.
Let's take a closer look at the Bay State's sports betting timeline:
Sept. 22, 2022: The majority of a group of 20+ operators tell the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) that they prefer a universal start date for the launch of legal sports betting.
Sept. 16, 2022: Provisions in MA's sports betting legislation add an additional wrinkle to a potential go-live date. With no cap on the number of temporary permits, and only 15 permanent licenses available, several online sportsbooks could be required to close up shop after just one year in Massachusetts.
Sept. 13, 2022: As responsible gaming advocates push concerns such as the marketing of betting to young people, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a virtual roundtable discussion with industry experts to thoroughly look into responsible gambling measures.
Sept. 9, 2022: The Massachusetts sports betting rollout remains unclear. According to Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Brad Hall, the state's first retail and online sportsbooks won't open in the coming weeks, with the formal launch likely in 2023 at the earliest.
Sept. 6, 2022: FanDuel and Caesars filed notices of intent, meaning 42 applicants are vying for the 15 initial Massachusetts sports betting licenses up for grabs.
Aug. 11, 2022: Massachusetts regulators expect over 40 operators to apply for online sportsbook licenses in the state. There are 15 total licenses available, three of which are already sure to go to Barstool, BetMGM, and WynnBET.
Aug. 10, 2022: Gov. Charlie Baker signs H.5164 into law. Online and retail sports betting are officially coming to Massachusetts.
Aug. 9, 2022: Wynn reaffirms its plans to push its WynnBET online sportsbook live as soon as legal sports betting launches in Massachusetts.
Aug. 8, 2022: All eyes are on Gov. Charlie Baker. Baker is expected to sign Massachusetts sports betting into law by Thursday's deadline.
Aug. 4, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission estimates the state will launch legal online sports betting in three to six months.
Aug. 1, 2022: At approximately 5 a.m. ET, the Sports Betting Conference Committee announces an agreement has been reached to bring legal sports betting to Massachusetts.
July 21, 2022: House Speaker Ron Mariano says House and Senate negotiators are "far apart" with just 10 days to go. College sports betting appears to be a deal breaker, with the House insisting on its inclusion in any Massachusetts sports betting legislation.
July 17, 2022: Senate President Karen Spilka states that she's 'hopeful' a compromise on sports betting legislation will come prior to the July 31 deadline. Spilka also vows that her chamber would take a roll call vote on the active bill.
June 22, 2022: With the July 31 deadline just over five weeks away, negotiations are ongoing in Massachusetts. College sports betting, tax rates on revenue, and the number of sports betting licenses issued remain sticking points in MA.
June 9, 2022: A House-Senate conference committee meets for the first time to begin negotiations on legal sports betting in Massachusetts.
June 3, 2022: With the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Gov. Charlie Baker laments that sports betting revenue is seeping over state lines. He uses the example to once again publicly push for the legalization of the practice in the state.
May 10, 2022: WynnBET sees Massachusetts sports betting as a ‘significant catalyst’ for growth. The casino and hotel operator reports the adjusted loss for Wynn’s interactive division, which houses WynnBET.
April 28, 2022: The House and Senate must reconcile their differences on revised sports betting legislation before Governor Charlie Baker, a proponent of legalizing sports betting, can sign the bill into law.
April 25, 2022: The Massachusetts Senate is on track to debate new legal sports betting legislation on Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Feb. 18, 2022: Boston-based DraftKings identifies Massachusetts as a possible landing spot for its mobile sportsbook during its Q4 earnings call.
Jan. 24, 2022: Gov. Charlie Baker reiterates his willingness to sign off on a bill to legalize sports betting should the House and Senate pass a measure before the legislative session comes to a close.
Nov. 18, 2021: DraftKings and the Boston Bruins announce a multi-faceted partnership, whereby the Boston-based sports betting operator will become the club's official daily fantasy sports partner and eventual sports betting partner should Massachusetts legalize it.
October 2021: Sen. Eric Lesser relays that the Senate has not yet come to a consensus on the topic of sports betting, despite declaring three months prior that his chamber was prepared to approve legislation that would legalize the practice. His version of the bill (S 269) remains under active consideration by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
July 2021: The Massachusetts House approves a bill (HB 3993) via an overwhelming 156-3 vote that would legalize sports betting in Massachusetts.
April 2021: The state’s House Ways and Means Committee excludes sports betting revenues from its forthcoming budget draft, adding yet another roadblock to the practice’s legalization.
February 2021: Heading into the 2021 legislative session, Governor Charlie Baker files and introduces a bill (for the third time) that would legalize sports betting in the state of Massachusetts.
January 2021: Legislators introduce five major sports betting bills, three by the House and two by the Senate.
November 2020: Lawmakers do not include a legalization provision in their 2021 budget, effectively ending any hopes for the arrival of sports betting in Massachusetts in 2020.
July 2020: The state Senate opts not to include sports betting as part of its economic development plan, as it feels attaching the two bills isn’t the proper way to introduce the practice.
May 2018: The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling each U.S. state to formally legalize and regulate sports betting.
Yes, legal sports betting is on the way in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act (H.5164) was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker on Aug. 10, 2022, after passing through the Sports Betting Conference Committee by a vote of 151-2 on Aug. 1, 2022. With Gov. Baker's signature, online sports betting in Massachusetts will become a reality — likely in early 2023.
MA sports bettors will soon have the freedom to wager on professional and college sports online or at a retail sportsbook. Betting on in-state college teams will not be permitted, with the exception of major events like March Madness.
With legal Massachusetts sports betting on the horizon, bettors can look forward to over a dozen online sportsbooks and apps being available in the Bay State. Fifteen (15) licenses are up for grabs, including seven standalone mobile licenses.
Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino will all house retail sportsbooks. These three casinos will also be granted two online skins each.
Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs will also feature one retail sportsbook and be permitted to partner with one online operator.
The following online and retail operators could be among the first wave of legal Massachusetts sportsbooks:
|
Online sportsbook |
Retail partner |
Retail sportsbook |
Odds provider |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TBD |
TBD |
Bet.Works |
|
|
Plainridge Park Casino |
Barstool Sportsbook |
Kambi |
|
|
MGM Springfield |
BetMGM Sportsbook |
BetMGM |
|
|
TBD |
TBD |
Kambi |
|
|
TBD |
TBD |
Caesars |
|
|
TBD |
TBD |
SBTech |
|
|
TBD |
TBD |
Flutter |
|
|
TBD |
TBD |
Kambi |
|
|
Encore Boston Harbor |
WynnBET Sportsbook |
GAN |
Four neighboring states in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York, all offer legalized online and retail sports betting markets.
New York's nine online sportsbooks offer MA bettors the most variety and the opportunity to claim multiple welcome bonuses when traveling to the Empire State.
Currently, no form of legal sports wagering exists in the Bay State. Individuals 21 years of age or older would be permitted to wager when online and retail betting arrive.
Legal ageAlthough some states allow players 18 and up to wager on sports, Massachusetts will not follow suit and will stick with 21 and up.
Mobile bettingAll betting is illegal in Massachusetts, thus no legal mobile sports betting apps are available. However, seven mobile licenses will soon be up for grabs, while some online operators will also be able to partner with land-based casinos and MA off-track betting sites.
Online sports betting in Massachusetts will soon be available via up to 15 betting sites.
Remote registrationSports bettors will be able to create sports betting accounts from anywhere in Massachusetts when legal betting goes live.
Within state bordersWhen Massachusetts launches legal sports betting, any wager made must be done so within its borders. Of course, those conditions also apply to in-person betting, but all online wagers must be verified in-state, too.
Retail sportsbooksHeadquartered in Massachusetts, DraftKings is expected to be active early in the Bay State. Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park, and two pari-mutuel simulcast facilities (Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs) will all be home to retail sportsbooks.
MA retail sports betting could arrive before online wagering.
Taxable winningsMassachusetts gamblers should be taxed on sports bet winnings the same way they are on other gambling income. This means a 24% federal tax and 5% state tax.
The Massachusetts sports betting market is shaping up to be a competitive one. Several big names should arrive in the coming months, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
With the inclusion of college sports betting, residents will have the chance to bet on hometown favorites during major events. However, year-round wagers on MA college squads will not be permitted.
No go-live date for sports bettingIn-state college betting only for major eventsWhen wagering on sports becomes available in MA, both in-person and online betting will be possible. Here's how you'll be able to get started:
Choosing a sportsbook involves reading reviews from reputable sources. Those recommendations apply to the best bonuses, betting lines, and available bet types. We also advise new players, in particular, to read the fine print once sports betting becomes available in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts has adopted mobile betting, so you will have to share contact information and personal details, including your phone number and address, before getting started online.
Today's mobile sports betting platforms serve up generous bonuses, specifically welcome or sign-up promotions. Be sure to read the terms associated with each offer before moving forward.
Funding your sportsbook account is required before placing a wager. Massachusetts sportsbooks will allow players to fund accounts in a variety of ways. ACH transfers and digital payment types like PayPal are sure to be supported. Notably, however, credit card deposits will not be allowed.
Assuming legal sports betting touches down in the Bay State, sports bettors should have access to all common bet types. You're likely to have these types: moneylines, Over/Unders (totals), point spreads, parlays, teasers, futures, live bets, and more.
Not all sportsbooks are created equal, particularly concerning available betting lines. Some are less favorable than others; thus, shopping for the best price is critical. Conducting research allows you to nab the best lines and claim the better bonuses.
Wins are tremendous and only matched by the speed at which you can secure the associated winnings. On a related note, you may incur fees on transactions with the sportsbook or based on your preferred withdrawal method. Review the applicable terms and conditions to guide your decision-making.
American betting odds are the default selection found at U.S. sportsbooks, and Massachusetts will adopt that format, too.
Spot the favorite in any matchup by identifying the minus sign (-); the number immediately following the value displays the sum of money you need to bet to win $100. Here in this example, -170 odds mean you need to risk $170 to win $100.
The underdogs are identified by the plus sign (+) and highlight the monetary amount you would win if you wagered $100. In this scenario, +110 odds means that a $100 bet would return $110 in profit.
Input your selections to our odds converter to see potential payouts. Plus, you can toggle between American, fractional, and decimal odds.
Bay Staters do not have access to a locally regulated sportsbook. Once legal sports betting arrives, wagering on professional, college (with some exceptions), and Olympic sports will be in play.
Wagering on political outcomes, like presidential elections, will not be permitted at the state or federal level.
Betting lines for celebrity-laden events and awards shows may be available from Massachusetts sportsbooks. It's too early to tell.
It's unclear where esports betting falls with regulators. Worth noting is that Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs’ company, Delaware North, is a partner of Splyce, a multi-esports organization.
College sports have been a point of major contention between the House and Senate when it comes to the legalization of wagering on sports. The good news is that MA bettors will be able to wager on college sports. The not-so-great news? Bets on in-state college teams will only be permitted during major events.
Eliminate any hometown bias by conducting relevant research on prospective bets. This is a great way to manage your bankroll and will help you to avoid blindly backing any team or player.
Review our how to bet guides for actionable intel aimed at new and intermediate bettors.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates commercial operations in the state. There are a few forms of legal gambling in Massachusetts, including charitable gaming and the Massachusetts Lottery.
CasinoMassachusetts contains five casinos: Two operated by Native American tribes, two commercial resorts, and one slot parlor. Still, wagering on sports at these Massachusetts venues is prohibited.
PokerPoker players can find a multitude of poker rooms in Massachusetts’ major cities, such as Boston. There are no state laws concerning online gambling that could lead to a poker player’s conviction or a fine. Private poker games are also entirely legal and only lightly regulated.
Horse and dog racingThere is only one presently active racetrack in the Bay State: Plainridge Racecourse. There, legal pari-mutuel betting is allowed on horse racing. Simulcast wagering for both horse races and dog races is also available at two former racetracks: Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park. Since 1934, betting on horse and dog racing has been legal in Massachusetts.
Daily fantasy sportsIn 2016, Governor Charlie Baker temporarily legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS) as part of a larger economic development bill while details like taxes and regulations got hashed out. Two years later, in 2018, a new bill was passed to make daily fantasy sports permanently legal in the state. Massachusetts sports fans can get their fill of DFS via industry heavyweights DraftKings, FanDuel, or the Monkey Knife Fight app.
Excitement is growing in Massachusetts as sports betting draws near. Keep an eye on the table below for MA sports betting facts, and a looming launch date.
| Launch date | TBD |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | No ❌ |
| Number of betting licenses | TBD |
| Number of betting sites | TBD |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | Yes ✅ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 6.96 million |
| Total handle (2021) | N/A |
| Tax rate | 20% (online revenue); 15% (retail revenue) |
| State regulator | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
To this point, there has been limited access to gambling within Massachusetts. Even so, there are many Bay Staters who succumb to gambling addiction. The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health provides educational opportunities and support to raise awareness of problem gambling.
Visit the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and HealthWhen Massachusetts sports betting arrives in late 2022 or early 2023, the state will join the ranks of these already legalized states:
Massachusetts is one of several states moving toward legal sports betting — potentially in the near future. Here are the others:
Massachusetts gamblers should exercise caution and patience concerning legal sports betting. Bay Staters should refrain from registering with unregulated offshore sportsbooks due to their unlawful business practices.
Funding an illegal offshore sports betting site is playing with fire, as your funds and personal information are at risk. Please avoid these sportsbooks at all costs.
Yes. Gov. Charlie Baker signed the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act into law on Aug. 10, 2022. Legal sports betting should launch three to six months from that date.
You will have to be at least 21 years of age to take part in legal Massachusetts sports gambling.
You cannot legally bet on sports in Massachusetts yet. Stay tuned for updates on MA's sports betting launch date.
Sports betting will become legal when MA Gov. Charlie Baker signs H.5164 into law. The hope is that some form of sports betting arrives in the fall of 2022.
No, bet365 does not have a license to operate in Massachusetts.
No — but you will be able to soon. Mobile sports betting is coming to Massachusetts in late 2022 or early 2023..
Joshua Howe is a commercial content editor at Covers, assisting experts in making smarter sports bettors. Prior to joining the team in 2021, the experienced writer and editor worked in a variety of industries, including sports, marketing, and publishing.
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