Joe Yarnold joined the Basketball Insiders team in October 2021, as a content editor and writer. He obtained his Master’s degree from Framingham State University and has experience writing educational and explanatory articles on all forms of gambling. Although he specializes in casino gaming, NFL, soccer and NBA betting, he has well-rounded knowledge and insight of most sports. His expertise also include researching and analyzing the latest federal and state gambling laws and regulations in the US.
All posts by Joseph YarnoldAs a Senior Gambling Journalist, I bring a rich tapestry of expertise to the forefront of the gambling scene in the US. My extensive experience not only encompasses content curation but also extends into the realm of leadership within content marketing teams. Beyond the technical nuances, I specialize in crafting compelling brand identities that truly resonate within the ever-evolving online gambling landscape.
All posts by Sacha KinserAfter years of setbacks, regulated Massachusetts sports betting has arrived in The Bay State. There are eight online sportsbooks regulated inland. However, people in the state can also rely on the top offshore sportsbooks listed in this piece.
Massachusetts is home to storied franchises like the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots. Now sports bettors can safely gamble on these sports from their home in MA. This guide looks at some of the best offshore sportsbooks where you can get bigger bonuses and a wider range of markets.
- To topShow full guideShow less
Best Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sites Ranked
50% Up To $250 + 100 Free Spins
Play Now Get a Welcome Bonus of up to $750
Play Now 125% up to $1,250
Play Now 100% up to $500 Welcome Bonus
Play Now 100% Deposit Bonus up to $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip
Play Now 125% Sign Up Bonus Up To $2,625
Play Now Get INSTANT 200% deposit bonus up-to 10ETH
Play Now 100% Deposit Bonus up to $2,500
Play Now 200% Welcome Bonus Up to €25,000 + 50 Free Spins
Play Now 75% Sports Welcome Bonus Up To $2,500
Play Now 50% Welcome Bonus Up To $500
Play Now 200% Bonus Up To $25,000 + 10 Free Spins
Play Now 100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
Play Now 50% Bonus up to $200
Play Now 200% Bonus up to 1BTC + 50 Free Spins
Play Now Massachusetts Sports Betting at a Glance
Massachusetts is one of the most recent states to launch regulated sports betting. Retail betting went live in January 2023, and There are now eight online sportsbooks regulated from within the state. The current sports betting market in the state is outlined below.
- Legal Sports Betting: Sports Betting Completely Regulated
- Minimum Sports Betting Age in Massachusetts 21 (inland), 18 (through offshore sites)
- Offline Betting in Person: Yes
- Online Sportsbooks: Inland and offshore
- Live/In-Play Betting: Inland and offshore
- College Sports Betting: Inland on Non-MA teams only, No Restrictions Offshore
- Horse racing: Inland and offshore
- Sports Betting Revenue: Over $50 million (September 2023)
- Permitted Sports Betting Operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBET, Barstool, Betr, Caesars, BetMGM and Fanatics
- Licensing Fee: $5 million
- Tax Rate: 20% online, 15% retail
- Tax Funded: 45% to the General Fund, 27.5% to the Gaming Local Aid Fund, 17.5% to the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, 9% to the Public Health Trust Fund, and 1% to the Youth Development and Achievement Fund
Latest News on Sports Betting Legislation in Massachusetts
We keep you in the loop on the latest events surrounding Massachusetts sports betting. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key events on the road to regulated sports betting in Massachusetts:
- August 24, 2023 – Pickleball is added to the list of regulated sports to bet on in MA.
- March 10, 2023 – Online sports betting officially starts at 10 am in Massachusetts.
- January 31, 2023 – In-person sports betting officially launches in Massachusetts.
- October 10, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission officially decided to allow retail sports betting at the state’s three commercial casinos beginning in “late January.”
- April 26, 2022: The state senators in Massachusetts decided to review and consider new sports betting legislation.
- March 28, 2022: State House News Service releases a poll where 60% of Massachusetts residents support legal sports gambling.
- March 7, 2022: House Speaker Mariano speaks to Bloomberg about his state’s residents placing Super Bowl bets in neighboring New Hampshire. He quotes this move as “…extremely frustrating.” Mariano also expresses confidence in his bill but fears that Senate President Karen Spilka won’t negotiate.
- February 16, 2022: DraftKings declares that roughly 28% of its New Hampshire Super Bowl bettors have Massachusetts addresses.
- February 11, 2022: Current Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and House Speaker Mariano tweet their support for legalized Massachusetts sports betting.
- January 31, 2022: DraftKings pledges $1.5 million to assist the state gambling councils of Massachusetts. It is the second pledge in recent years.
- January 19, 2022: State senator Eric Lesser adamantly vocalizes supporting the passage of legalized Massachusetts sports betting. He is campaigning to be elected as Massachusetts’ next Lt. governor.
- January 12, 2022: Ninety small businesses submit a letter to 40 state senators requesting they consider MA regulated sports betting.
The Best Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sites List 2024
Before we dive into all the rules and regulations around online betting in Massachusetts, let’s take a look at the best sites for MA sports betting:
- BetOnline – Overall Massachusetts sports betting site for 2024
- Bovada – Live betting galore with many International leagues
- MyBookie – A sophisticated and multi-sport Massachusetts sportsbook
- Everygame – Best Massachusetts sportsbook for new players
- XBet– Top Massachusetts betting site for live betting
- Lucky Block – User-friendly live betting interface
- BetUS– Top Massachusetts mobile sports betting app
- BetNow – Great site for a wide variety of sport
- BUSR– Top Massachusetts sportsbook
- Jazzsports– Best site for off-track betting in Massachusetts
Best Massachusetts Sportsbooks Reviewed
While there are plenty of sites regulated from within Massachusetts, offshore betting sites are a much better alternative. They offer regular bonuses, a wider range of markets, and betting on the Boston College Eagles and Harvard Crimson. We’ve put together detailed reviews of the top 5 offshore sportsbooks in Massachusetts.
1. BetOnline – Overall Best Massachusetts Sports Betting Site for 2024
BetOnline is one of our top offshore betting sites that’s available to Massachusetts residents. The site offers sports betting in Massachusetts on dozens of markets, plus a full-service casino and racebook.
This betting site is one of our favorites for NBA betting, in part because it offers such a wide variety of options. You can bet not only on the outcome of individual games but also make NBA futures bets on next year’s championship. BetOnline also offers NBA draft betting and wagers on college basketball.
BetOnline is available both online and as a mobile app for iOS and Android. While we thought the mobile app was a little outdated, it’s plenty functional and makes it easy to bet on the go. The fact that you can also play casino games from the same app is a huge plus, too. Don’t forget to claim your BetOnline promo code to bolster your wallet.
What we like:
- Bet on NBA futures and the NBA draft
- Includes a casino and racebook
- Parlays, teasers, and in-game betting
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
What we don’t:
- Mobile app not as up to date as some of the competition
2. Bovada – Live Betting Galore With Many International Leagues
Bovada is our top-rated sportsbook in Massachusetts that offers an enormous variety of sports. You can bet not only on the major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB, but also on lesser-watched sports like skiing, snooker, cricket, and handball. Bovada also offers betting on US politics and an ever-growing selection of e-sports.
Bovada has a lot to attract bettors, including one of the widest selections of parlays we’ve seen from any online sportsbook. The website and mobile app have a prop builder that makes it simple to set up complex bets. Another benefit is that you can watch matches as they happen thanks to built-in video streaming. You can also place bets on live games as they unfold.
This sportsbook has an attractive welcome bonus, particularly for bettors who want to make a deposit with Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash. When you make your first deposit with either of those cryptocurrencies, Bovada will match your deposit 75% up to $750 if you use the Bovada promo code, BTCSWB750.
What we like:
- Very wide selection of sports to bet on
- Accepts Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash for deposits
- Live stream for most matches
- Prop bet builder
What we don’t:
- No welcome bonus for cash deposits
3. MyBookie – A Sophisticated and Multi-Sport Massachusetts Sportsbook
MyBookie is our pick for Massachusetts residents who want to bet on sports in 2024. This offshore betting site offers wagers on major sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, MMA, and more. You can even bet on special events like the Olympics.
MyBookie stands out in part for its generous MyBookie promo codes. The site will match your initial deposit of 50% up to $1,000. Every time you reload your betting account, MyBookie will give you a 25% reload bonus of up to $500. MyBookie makes payments simple and even accepts cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple.
For sports betting in Massachusetts on the go, MyBookie offers a streamlined mobile betting app. Your betslip is accessible in just a few taps, so it’s easy to start wagering. Another benefit to this online bookmaker is that most matches are available via live streaming.
What we like:
- Generous welcome and reload bonuses
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Live stream available for most matches
- Supports parlays and in-game betting
What we don’t:
- Not the widest selection of sports
4. Everygame – Best Massachusetts Sportsbook for New Players
Everygame is widely regarded as one of the best MA online sportsbooks. It offers high-quality odds on a diverse selection of major sports events. It features a number of convenient and trustworthy deposit and withdrawal methods, as well as high-quality odds on a diverse selection of athletic events and a streamlined user experience.
Customers of Everygame can choose from a wide variety of futures and pre-game wagering alternatives. With the popularity of in-play betting, it should come as no surprise that Everygame provides live betting options, and is particularly stacked with lines when it comes to North American and European ice hockey.
Besides the puck action, Everygame covers sports like football, baseball, basketball, boxing, soccer, tennis, golf, and more.
Everygame’s sign-up bonus comes in different ways depending on the type of bonus you want to unlock, there are Everygame bonus codes to claim, plus this Massachusetts sports betting hub also runs a weekly raffle for huge rebates on parlay losses.
What we like:
- Great customer service
- Payouts are fast
- A wide range of bonus offers
- Impressive mobile interface
- Accepts US players
What we don’t:
- Many bonus requirements
- Not as many sports betting markets as other online bookmakers.
5. XBet – Top Massachusetts Betting Site for Live Betting
As a regulated sportsbook, XBet is one of the best Massachusetts betting sites for live betting. Players have it good at XBet with 24/7 customer support and several banking methods for betting.
It is impossible to ignore the casino’s range of ongoing promos and bonuses, and they provide a great selection of games and a variety of unique betting options to wager on. This offshore betting site allows wagers on casino games and sports like basketball, hockey, baseball, football, MMA, and other popular sports.
Besides the wide range of sports bets, players will also discover competitive odds, a superb easy-to-navigate web layout, live sports betting, and a decent selection of proposition wagers, including team prop bets on the Patriots once the NFL season rolls around.
All new players can use an Xbet promo code to receive a 100% bonus of up to $500, giving players a free shot at winning real money on this Massachusetts sports betting site live.
What we like:
- Several payment options
- Live, in-play betting
- Huge game selection
- 24/7 customer service
- Welcome bonus offer
What we don’t:
- Huge roller requirement
6. Lucky Block – User-Friendly Live Betting Interface
The Lucky Block sportsbook is an exceptional platform that has redefined the online sports betting experience. With its user-friendly interface and an extensive range of sports and betting options, it truly stands out in the competitive world of sports gambling.
One of the most striking features of Lucky Block is its incorporation of blockchain technology, ensuring transparency and security for its users. The variety of sports available for betting is impressive, covering everything from popular mainstream events to niche sports, catering to a diverse audience. Additionally, the platform offers live betting options, allowing users to place wagers while games are in progress, adding an extra layer of excitement to the overall experience.
Furthermore, Lucky Block provides competitive odds and lucrative bonuses, ensuring that bettors get the most value out of their wagers. The customer support is responsive and helpful, ensuring a smooth and satisfying betting journey for all users.
In conclusion, Lucky Block sportsbook is a game-changer in the world of online sports betting. Its seamless interface, diverse sports selection, and innovative use of blockchain technology make it a top choice for both seasoned and novice bettors. With Lucky Block, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands while enjoying an exhilarating sports betting adventure.
What we like:
- Generous welcome bonus
- User-friendly interface
- Crypto-friendly casino
- Fast payouts
- LBLOCK native token for payments
What we don’t:
- State residents must use a VPN to access the site
7. BetUS – Top Massachusetts Mobile Sports Betting App
A top Massachusetts sports betting site for over 25 years, BetUS offers all major games and leagues, and other well-known sports to bet on during the offseason. BetUS is one of the best sportsbooks for the sheer number of betting options it offers. It provides odds for Triple-A baseball, lacrosse, surfing, and over 40 different soccer leagues. In addition, the varieties of wagers they offer are far beyond those of other sportsbooks.
BetUS is one of the few books that allows for “pleasers,” or parlays and teasers with more than ten teams. BetUS features odds on a variety of sports and events, including the NFL, NCAA football, NASCAR, and horse racing. Betting is available at BetUS on NBA, WNBA, MLB, UFC/MMA, boxing, NASCAR, horse racing, hockey, tennis, baseball, golf, politics, and more.
BetUS is one of the top MA sports betting sites and has many deposit choices. Visa, MasterCard, Cash Transfer, MoneyGram, Bankwire, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin. In terms of customer service, BetUS leads the pack. Each new player gets assigned a dedicated account manager who focuses entirely on the single player’s needs.
BetUS unquestionably has the best welcome bonuses and the most generous loyalty program available. The welcome bonus can be claimed using a BetUS promo code and is worth 125% of your initial deposit, while the re-up bonus is 150% for cryptocurrency users. BetUS offers a Crypto Sign-Up Bonus of up to $2,500, or 200 percent of your initial crypto deposit.
What we like:
- Many casino games
- Genrous welcome bonus
- Exciting slots tournaments
What we don’t:
- $5000 daily withdrawal limit
8. BetNow – Best Massachusetts Sports Betting Site for Free Patriots Futures
Since its launch in 2016, BetNow has been a top option for sports betting in Massachusetts. It’s one of the best online betting sites in the state when it comes to quality odds and covers a wide range of sports markets, including pro and college sports both within the US and internationally.
The MLB, NCAA, NBA, NFL, NHL, tennis, soccer, and over 20 other sports are easy to wager on at BetNow. The betting slip is easy to use and you can place your bets for as low as $1 and as high as you want to go. This MA sports betting site also offers odd boosts on parlays and runs a loyalty program that enables bettors to receive points for placing parlay and teaser bets.
The sports contests offered by BetNow come with exotic bonuses and cash prices. Noteworthy contests organized by BetNow, include the $500,000 Thanksgiving Giveaway Contest, BetNow’s Grand Slam Contest worth $10,000, and NFL King of the Hill Contests worth $10,000.
The cashier segment of BetNow accepts different payment methods, like the use of selected eWallets, cryptocurrencies, and credit/debit cards. Customer service is prompt, tending to respond within a couple of minutes. For those among you looking to back the Pats all the way to the Bowl, the BN150 BetNow promo code for the welcome bonus also enables a free futures wager up to the value of $150.
What we like:
- Great selection of props, futures, and exotics
- Extensive market coverage
- Exotic bonuses and contests are available
- Reduced juice
- Live Betting option
- Safe and secure betting site
What we don’t:
- Low deposit bonus
9. BUSR – Top Massachusetts Sportsbook
It’s impossible to talk about licensed sports betting Massachusetts sites without mentioning BUSR. The bookie’s reputation precedes them and they are trusted by huge sports publications such as ESPN. BUSR serves up in-depth markets for America’s most popular sports, including NBA, NFL, soccer, MLB, and NHL, all accessible via an intuitive mobile betting interface.
The best part is, that you can get in on the action anytime, anywhere, with BUSR’s mobile betting platform, whether it’s for March Madness, the Super Bowl, the Triple Crown, or the Breeders’ Cup. Additionally, if you’ve had your fill of sports betting in Massachusetts, you can explore BUSR’s racebook and casinos which both have amazing betting options.
Our review put the bookie’s bold claim of evergreen promos and hefty bonuses to the test, and BUSR didn’t disappoint. In addition to betting on all your favorite teams and sports, BUSR offers its players a number of attractive bonuses. Whether it’s a welcome, Bitcoin, crypto, refer a friend, or reload bonus, there’s something for everyone. However, you’ll need a BUSR promo code to unlock certain sportsbook offers.
In order to claim these offers, you need to create a BUSR account and make your first deposit. You can make a deposit several ways via Visa/Mastercard, Wire transfer, MoneyGram, Check, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and more.
Customer support is available 24/7, so if you have any questions, contact them via live chat, email, or phone call.
What we like:
- Hefty welcome bonus
- Evergreen promotion offers year-round
- Numerous sports betting options
- High-quality live casino games
- 24/7 customer support
What we don’t:
- Players in NV, NJ, PA, and NY are prohibited
10. Jazz Sports – Quick and Simple to Sign Up
One of the best sports betting sites in Massachusetts and with over 30 years of experience, Jazz Sports features a wide range of sports betting markets and live betting options on all the US staples (NBA/NFL/MLB, etc.), plus entertainment, politics, and more. For the Patriots fans among you, Jazz offers NFL futures and weekly betting lines with sharp odds.
This bookmaker is well-known for offering a wide variety of future bets on sporting events and activities, including pro hockey, soccer, combat sports, golf, tennis, auto racing, politics, rugby, and cricket.
Proposition betting markets don’t tend to get broadcast until the day of the big game, which is slower than some of its competitors. But, in terms of prop betting options, Jazz does well, serving up unique team/player bets, especially for NBA and NFL games.
This sportsbook offers a wide variety of bonuses and promotions. With the correct Jazz Sports promo code, bettors can claim a 50% welcome bonus of up to $1,000. Jazz also offers a 10% racebook cash bonus, and cash reload bonuses. Tournament play is another feature of the site, and there’s huge money to be won playing MLB/NFL Pick’em games, too.
What we like:
- Lightning-fast payouts
- Excellent customer service
- Exotic bonus offers
- Competitive betting odds
- Pick’em tournaments for MLB/NFL
What we don’t:
- Late to market with proposition bets
Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?
Sports betting in Massachusetts has been legal since August 2022, when Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill H.5164 into law. America’s most popular sportsbooks immediately began to pair up with the biggest MA sports franchises to gain access to the market, and the vast majority of these platforms went live in the state on March 10, 2023.
Consequently, players in Massachusetts can now legally wager on sports, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports using many of the best Massachusetts sports betting apps.
If, however, you would prefer to use crypto when betting online, or you are looking for obscure markets, zero geo-fencing when traveling out of state, or additional bonus offers, there are still dozens of legit offshore betting sites like BetUS and Bovada, which are available to players in MA.
50% Up To $250 + 100 Free Spins
Play Now Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sites Comparison
Now that you know more about the 5 best-betting sites in MA, let’s take a closer look at how they stack up against one another:
Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonus Bonus Code Sports to bet on Live Betting Live Streaming BetOnline 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 40+ ✅ ✅ Bovada 75% 3x up to $750 N/A 40 ✅ ✅ MyBookie 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 25+ ✅ ❌ Everygame 3x $250 up to $750 INSIDERS 40+ ✅ ❌ XBet 50% up to $500 INSIDEX 25+ ✅ ❌ Lucky Block 200% Bonus up to $10,000 + 50 Free Spins N/A 40+ ✅ ✅ BetUS 125% up to $2,500 INSIDERS 25+ ✅ ✅ BetNow 150% up to $150 INSIDERS 12+ ✅ ❌ BUSR 150% up to $2,500 INSIDER150 20+ ✅ ❌ Jazz Sports 50% up to $1,000 INSIDERS 15+ ✅ ✅ Advantages of Online Gambling Sites
Online gambling in Massachusetts carries a host of different benefits that you won’t find in land-based casinos. With a constant influx of new offers, incentives, promotions, and tournaments, online gambling is the way to go. Here are some of the perks of playing online.
- Gaming Variety: Massachusetts online casinos and sportsbooks carry a near-endless variety of markets, odds, game titles, and signature releases. These are stored, curated, and archived for easy navigation, so you’ll always find the right option for your playing style.
- Incentives and promotions: The gambling sites are always bringing new promotions to the table, designed to make your bankroll go further and help you experience the platform to the fullest.
- Tournaments and Online Events: All gambling platforms regularly roll out monthly, weekly, daily, and even hourly tournaments and events, where you can take part in leaderboard challenges and win reloads, cashback, free spins, and more.
- Free Play: Lastly, something you’ll never find in a land-based casino is the option to play games for free. The online gambling platforms have a built-in Free Mode feature for most of their titles, where you can play for as long as you like without ever needing to wager a cent.
Who can Bet on Sports in Massachusetts?
As of this moment, sports betting is still prohibited within Massachusetts. Unfortunately, that means residents of this state can’t formally gamble on professional or amateur sports.
However, Massachusetts does accept horse racing bets. State residents can safely place stakes on horse racing at sanctioned Massachusetts sportsbooks. You must be at least 21 years old to gamble at a Massachusetts casino. We recommend viewing our horse racing guide for pointers.
The best offshore sportsbooks in this article have their specific age requirements. Typically, Massachusetts residents must be at least 21 to set up an account there.
How to Bet on Sports in Massachusetts
If you reside in MA and want to join an offshore sportsbook, we help you get up and going.
1. Take Time to Read the Terms And Conditions
Before setting up an account, we highly recommend reading your preferred sportsbook’s terms and conditions. We highly recommend our top sportsbook BetOnline for Massachusetts residents.
Massachusetts residents need to understand the online casino’s rules to maintain an account in good standing. Our listed betting sites will have general terms of use as well as terms and conditions for specific bonuses.
2. Locate the Join or Registration Links
When you feel confident about officially registering, the next move is to enter the registration screen. The registration link, or join button, is usually located at the top of the viewport. You can also find it in the footer section.
3. Familiarize Yourself with the Promotions Section
Online sports betting can seem daunting for new members. Betting sites like BetOnline extend a unique $1,0000 sports welcome to its new members. It also bestows a 25% sports reload package for its members. We highly recommend checking for any sports promotions before making a deposit.
4. Head to the Cashier
Before you can actualize most casino bonuses, you must make a deposit. Your chosen offshore sportsbook’s cashier displays all the deposit options. If you’re logged in, select your deposit method.
Most online casinos offer credit cards. However, before you can use them, you might have to an approved credit authorization form. We strongly suggest submitting this form to the cashier after registration. These forms might take some time to get approved.
5. Brush Up on the Sports Bets
Today’s virtual sportsbooks are so sophisticated that they might offer a glossary for sports bets and horse racing. In addition, different sites might provide additional types of sports wagers.
The Bill to Legalize Sports Betting in Massachusetts
On August 10, 2022, then Governor, Charlie Baker, signed into law House Bill 5164. This is the bill that led to fully regulated sports betting in Massachusetts. When it was voted on in the House of Representatives it passed with an overwhelming majority vote of 151 yeas to two nays.
Here is a list of some of the top sportsbooks that were launched in the Bay State since the bill was signed into law.
- DraftKings – Strong presence in Massachusetts’ daily gambling. DraftKings-maintained headquarters in Boston.
- FanDuel – Maintain strong market share in fantasy gambling in Massachusetts.
- Caesars Sportsbook – Sports betting is the lifeline for Caesar Entertainment. It failed to open a casino in Suffolk Downs in 2013.
- Barstool Sportsbook – Parent company Penn National Gaming owns and operates Massachusetts’ Plainridge Park Casino.
- WynnBet – Own and operate the Encore Boston Harbor Casino.
- BetMGM Sportsbook – Has an app that ties into MGM Springfield.
- Local Businesses – 90 small businesses in the state submitted a letter to the state congress supporting legal gambling. Should it pass, Massachusetts businesses can incorporate retail sports betting.
Supporters and Opponents of the Ballot for Legal Sports Betting in Massachusetts
It was a clear journey from the introduction to the ultimate ascension of this bill into law. There were some detractors along the way but fortunately, there were many more supporters. The Basketball Insiders spotlight some of the strongest supporters and critics of legalized MA sports betting.
Supporters
State House Speaker Rob Mariano remains vocal about passing legalized sports betting in Massachusetts. Current Mass. Governor Charlie Baker remains committed to signing a state sports gambling bill before leaving office. Prominent sportsbooks like DraftKings have donated money to help sanction sports gambling in Massachusetts.
Opposition
Despite the strong outpouring of support for organized sports bets in Massachusetts, there is opposition. Senate President Karen Spilka is not on board with passing a bill. Also, Sen. Michael Rodrigues recently cast doubt on passing sports gambling legislation.
Online Gambling Laws in Massachusetts
Over the years the State of Massachusetts has passed a number of bills to legalize online gambling. Some have come to pass (like Fantasy Sports) and some are still in consideration, like online poker and online sports betting.
The legal gambling age in Massachusetts is 18, and as such, the State will not allow anyone under the age of 18 to place wagers or take part in any form of gambling. Furthermore, most land-based casinos serve alcohol and will further restrict entrance to anyone under the age of 21 in accordance with the Massachusetts State drinking age.
While MA gambling laws still have a ways to go, some good progress has been made. Below is a timeline of the online gambling laws in Massachusetts that have come to pass.
- 1719 – Massachusetts bans all lotteries.
- 1934 – Massachusetts legalizes betting on horse and dog racing.
- 1971 – The Massachusetts State Lottery is re-legalized and implemented.
- 2010 – Massachusetts bans all dog racing according to the Greyhound Protection Act.
- 2011 – Massachusetts legalizes commercial casinos with the Extended Gaming Act.
- 2016 – Massachusetts passes a bill to legalize Fantasy League Sports.
- 2016 – Massachusetts passes a bill to legalize online horse racing.
- 2022 – Massachusetts puts forth a bill to legalize in-person and online Sports Betting.
Previous Sports Betting Bills in Massachusetts
There have been numerous attempts to pass organized sports wagering in the Bay State. We shine a light on the recent history of Massachusetts’ failed sports gambling bills.
2019
- Senate Bill 200 – Is submitted to the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies committee. This ballot is ultimately reconstituted to bill HB4559.
- Senate Bill 201– A similar bill to S.200 also makes its way to the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies committee. Like S.200, it is repurposed to bill HB4559.
- Senate Bill 224 – Another sports betting regulation bill that transforms into bill HB4559.
- Senate Bill 229 – Yet another similar sports regulation bill that is overhauled.
- Senate Bill 231 – Put forth to further push regulations for sports gambling in Massachusetts.
- House Bill 68 – Intended to meant to add additional parameters for organized sports gambling.
- House Bill 379 – Addresses regulation for online gaming and daily fantasy sports.
2020
- House Bill 4559– Makes it to the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies committee. It is also submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee. It ultimately dies in the House.
2021
- House Bill 3974 – An act to regulate Massachusetts sports betting.
- House Bill 3993 – Revised from House Bill 3977 and stalled in Congress.
Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Massachusetts
Tax is collected from online sportsbooks at a rate of 20% on all revenue from sports betting. Retail sports betting facilities are taxed 15% on their revenue generated from in-person bets. Massachusetts also approved a new tax to withhold an additional 5% on horse racing winnings over $600. The tax is shared out amongst various areas in the state’s funding such as the Workforce Investment Fund and the Public Health Trust Fund. To learn more, view our sports betting tax guide.
Payment Methods Available at Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sites
Massachusetts residents can rely on the top ten sportsbooks listed in this article. The plethora of user-friendly banking options is a chief reason for their elite status. The Basketball Insiders team does the heavy lifting for you on the various banking options available at online sportsbooks.
Crypto Betting Options
Most online sportsbooks have a cryptocurrency presence. Bitcoin is usually the main crypto option, but more of these lucrative sportsbooks expand to alternative versions. For example, MA residents might have the option of depositing with Litecoin, BitcoinCash, Ethereum, and Ripple.
eWallet Betting Options
Ease and speed are important when choosing a banking method. Major eWallets like Neteller and Skrill are staple banking options for sports betting casinos. These betting sites might also offer PayPal eWallet and regional ones like Neosurf and ecoPayz to handle your financial affairs.
Traditional Payment Methods at MA Betting Sites
While some sportsbooks vary with crypto options and eWallets, the traditional payment method is the credit card. Wire transfer might be available as well. Visa and MasterCard are the standards, but some sportsbooks might offer American Express or Discover cards.
Using a wire transfer might incur a transaction fee and delay processing the deposit. Person 2 Person is another form of wire transfer emerging at online casinos.
Bonuses Available at Massachusetts Sportsbooks
Online betting sites invest in promotions to entice new sports gamblers like Massachusetts residents to join. Casino bonuses also work to keep existing members. We highlight some essential sportsbook bonuses to whet your sports-wagering appetite.
Welcome Bonuses
Almost all sportsbooks that you visit will offer a welcome bonus of some sort. The welcome offer tends to be the most obviously valuable promotion as it is intended to attract new customers. Make sure to look out for large rollover requirements when looking to sign up for a new sportsbook.
Reload Bonuses
When residents of the Bay State gamble at an offshore sportsbook, there’s a chance they might lose. To keep spirits up, betting sites like BetOnline deliver a 25% reload bonus to their members on every deposit they make to the sportsbook. Deposit at least $50 using the code LIFEBONUS. Additional sports prizes include exclusive live bet features and mobile sports bonuses. SportsBetting.ag offers both.
Horse Racing Rebate
Massachusetts residents can gamble on horse racing at their preferred offshore sportsbook. BetOnline, Jazz Sports, BUSR, and Bovada offer horse rebate bonuses to keep you on the winning track. You will get a percentage of your losses back either every week or every month depending on the betting site.
Crypto Deposit Bonuses
These are deposit matches that only apply to crypto deposits. Many sportsbooks, particularly the ones we have recommended, offer better percentages and higher maximum bonuses on crypto deposits compared to fiat deposits.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to legendary franchises like the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, and the Boston Celtics. Collegiate sports from the University of MA and Ivy League campuses like Harvard are top betting options. The Basketball Insiders walks you through the prime sports to bet on.
Score Big on Online NFL Sports Gambling
The New England Patriots are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history. As a result, the NFL permits MA residents can eagerly place sports bets on their beloved Patriots at our partner casinos. We recommend BetOnline to get in on the Patriots’ action.
BetOnline permits New Englanders to place parlays, straight bets, the NFL Draft bets, and futures wagers, to name a few. Here’s a rundown of the professional football teams in Massachusetts.
MA sports fans have the New England Patriots to gamble on each year.
- New England Patriots – Future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and coach Belichek have led the team to six Super Bowl wins.
Bet on the NBA’s Boston Celtics
Massachusetts residents can follow and place wagers on their beloved Boston Celtics during basketball season. Many of our recommended NBA betting sites offer seasonal bonuses.
During the off-season, Bay State residents can still wager on the NBA Draft and NBA futures.
Massachusetts’ residents have these home-grown NBA teams to wager on.
- Boston Celtics – This storied franchise has the most NBA championships in history with 17.
Take a Swing at Gambling on the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox is a flagship Major League Baseball team. We are still high on BetOnline as the premier choice for Bay State citizens to gamble on the Red Sox. The standard teaser bets, spread bets, and team and player futures are available. You can also check out our MLB betting guide to learn about baseball betting.
Commonwealth residents have much to celebrate and wager on with their MLB Boston Red Sox.
- Boston Red Sox – Play at the legendary Fenway Park, and winners of nine World Series.
Skate Your Sports Wagers on the Boston Bruins
Residents of the Commonwealth can gamble offshore on the Boston Bruins. While most of our partner sites deliver thrilling Hockey gambling, we recommend Bovada. This elite sportsbook offers NHL three-way bets, the AHL, and 19 European leagues.
Basketball Insiders highlights the professional hockey teams you can gamble on at an offshore sportsbook like Bovada. We also have some hockey betting pointers for your review.
We mention Massachusetts’ sole NHL team.
- Boston Bruins – Part of the six inaugural NHL teams with six Stanley Cup championships
Shoot Your Shot on NCAA Teams
The Commonwealth is home to renowned college teams like the Harvard Crimson and the Boston Eagles. So again, we encourage you to stick with BetOnline to gamble on live NCAA action and futures, to name a few. For more college basketball tips, you can read our guide.
We also shine a light on the top NCAA I college basketball teams awaiting sports in MA.
- Harvard Crimson – A prominent Ivy League school located in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Boston College Eagles – Offer both men’s and women’s basketball
- Boston University Terriers – Men’s and women’s basketball odds available
- University of Massachusetts – Commonwealth residents can wager on the Minutemen and Minutewomen
- Northeastern Huskies – A reputable and winning college program
When March Madness rolls around, our partner sportsbooks offer exclusive sports bonuses on how to gamble on March Madness and others.
Tackle Sports Gambling with the Premier Commonwealth NCAA Football Teams
MA is also a force for NCAA I college football. Massachusetts residents can wager on live college football, futures, teasers, and parlays. We list the college football programs in Massachusetts that you can gamble on at a sportsbook.
Here’s a quick list of the rewarding and popular college football teams in the Commonwealth.
- Boston College Eagles – A storied FBS program in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Harvard Crimson – A reliable college to place sports bets
- University Of Massachusetts – Another reliable Commonwealth college club
Master Golf Betting In Massachusetts
MA has more than its share of professional and amateur golf. Residents of this state can gamble on major golf tournaments like the PGA. We recommend Bovada to handle your golf bets.
Massachusetts residents have extensive betting odds for future golf tournaments.
We also steer you to the prominent state golf tournaments in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Open – The official state golf tournament
- New England PGA – Occurs each year in Massachusetts
Ride to Victory with Online Horse Racing
MA is no stranger to championship horse racing. Commonwealth residents can pick our partners to handle their horse racing bets, or they place bets at a state casino.
Here are some of the storied horse racing tracks accepting wagers in MA.
- Suffolk Downs – Has been around since 1935
- PlainRidge Park – Continues to amass more gambling wagers and is located near the Patriots’ Gillette Stadium
Daily Fantasy Sports New England Style
Daily Fantasy Sports gambling is legal in Massachusetts. Bay State residents can capitalize on elite fantasy sports sites like DraftKings and FanDuel. We highlight the top DFS sites for MA residents.
- FanDuel – Commonwealth residents can easily place daily bets on their teams
- DraftKings – Consider a promo code to make wagers
- Money Knife Fight – Also offers promotions for MA residents
- PrizePicks – Capitalize on their unique bonuses for professional and collegiate sports
Live Betting with Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sites
Massachusetts residents can turn to our sportsbook partners to place live bets. The major North American leagues and NCAA basketball and football feature live betting. We suggest BetOnline to place live bets on Massachusetts’ storied professional and collegiate sports.
BetOnline’s live betting arena comes with up-to-the-minute odds. Massachusetts sports fans looking to make live college basketball bets can read our odds guide. Depending on the sport, BetOnline offers live bets during the game, and at halftime.
Massachusetts Betting Apps & Mobile Sites for iPhone & Android
The best Massachusetts mobile sports betting sites and apps offer support for both iOS and Android devices, such as iPhones and Chromebooks. Don’t worry if you utilize one of the two operating systems; both operating systems access the same mobile platform, and you won’t lose out on anything due to your device choice.
iPhone
On iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad, a Massachusetts mobile sports betting site is available via the browser or from the App Store – should the bookie offer an app. The mobile-optimized page will operate on any iOS device starting with the iPhone 7 and up, although most apps will require the most recent version of iOS.
Android
If an operator happens to offer a sports betting app in Massachusetts, it’ll likely need to be downloaded as an APK since Google Play often restricts gambling apps. This can be downloaded directly from the Massachusetts mobile sports betting homepage.
You can also use your favorite Android browser to access mobile-optimized pages, such as Chrome, Firefox, or even Opera. Older devices shouldn’t have too much trouble accessing betting sites, either.
Mobile Site vs App for Betting in Massachusetts
Since sports betting legislation was passed in the state in 2023, most of the native US bookies available in Massachusetts do now offer mobile apps. If betting with an offshore platform, however, you’ll have to choose between using the optimized webpage or a dedicated mobile app (if one exists). Both Massachusetts mobile sports betting platforms have their own advantages, but the decision will ultimately come down to personal preference.
Mobile Site
Massachusetts sports mobile betting sites are simple to use from within your device’s browser and are often faster and more responsive than Massachusetts sports betting apps. You can bookmark the webpage, so you don’t have to key in the URL every time, and any updates will be done automatically by the bookie.
What we like:
- More supported devices
- No downloads
- No need for updates
- Offered by all top Massachusetts betting sites
What we don’t:
- No Touch ID
Mobile App
Sports betting apps in Massachusetts are specialized software programs expertly designed for mobile betting and can often provide handy features like biometric security. However, Massachusetts mobile sports betting apps can be difficult to set up and maintain due to regular updates, and many bookies still prefer to offer an optimized webpage.
What we like:
- Dedicated betting software
- Additional security features
- Optimized for specific operating systems
- Lower internet bandwidth
What we don’t:
- May not be supported by older devices
- Storage usage increases with each update
How to Create a Betting App for a Massachusetts Sportsbook
Rather than offering a dedicated betting app, several of the best Massachusetts mobile sports betting platforms provide an optimized mobile page instead. However, you can create your own betting app by creating a home page link to your favorite bookie.
We’ll show you how to do it on an iPhone, but the process is equally as similar on Android smartphones too.
Step 1: Access the Betting Site Homepage
Go to the online sportsbook of your choosing using the browser app on your mobile device – for most of you, this will be Safari, but other browsers are supported, too.
Step 2: Open the Browser Menu
At the bottom of your browser, look for the Browser menu. Of course, we are referring to the browser and not the website itself. Just tap to access the menu.
Step 3: Select Add to Home Screen
Simply tap the Add to Home Screen button, and a shortcut to the Massachusetts mobile sports betting site will show in your phone’s app list and snap to your dashboard. The link will appear like any other app you have downloaded to your iPhone.
Step 4: Rename and Move the App
If you want to personalize things a little, you can also rename the betting site icon and move it to a more convenient location. You’ll also notice that the homepage logo will also function as the icon for the Massachusetts mobile sports betting app, ensuring that you can always find the new app.
Step 5: Start the App with One Tap
Instead of accessing the Massachusetts mobile sports betting site through your mobile browser, you can now simply click on the icon you just created to be directed straight to the betting site’s homepage.
Bets that are Illegal in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not regulate the betting of sports teams from educational institutions in the state. Betting on NCAA teams from other states is regulated. You will have to use one of the many offshore betting sites to bet on local college athletics such as the Boston College Eagles.
How Massachusetts Sports Betting Stacks Up to Other New England States
New Hampshire’s sportsbooks are just a short drive away for Bay Staters. Many ventured to New Hampshire to place Super Bowl bets on the New England Patriots before this was regulated in Massachusetts.
New Hampshire currently has two retail sportsbooks, the Brook and the Filotimo Casino and Restaurant. Rhode Island is also within driving distance from Massachusetts. It also has two land-based sports betting casinos, the Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino. You can also peruse our Rhode Island sportsbooks section for extra info.
Casinos with Sports Betting in Massachusetts
MA passed the Expanded Gaming Act in 2011, which allowed for land-based casinos to operate in the state. However, the act puts significant restrictions on the number of casinos that are allowed to operate.
When sports betting was launched the gambling commission of the state gave licenses to the following casinos:
- WynnBET Sportsbook at Encore Boston Harbor
- BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield
- Barstool Sportsbook at Plainridge Park
Land-based casinos are also allowed to offer slots, table games, poker, and off-track betting in Massachusetts. Other than sports betting, Plainridge Park Casino is only allowed to offer slot games.
Two Native American tribes also have plans to open casinos. The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head has plans to open the Aquinnah Cliffs Casino in southeast Massachusetts. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plans to open First Light Casino & Resort in Taunton. It is not yet clear when these casinos will be open for business.
In addition to land-based betting, MA is known for having a small industry of casino boats. These boats take gamblers into federal waters, where Massachusetts state laws around gambling don’t apply.
Notably, none of the current or planned casinos offer sports betting. That is likely to change if Massachusetts sports betting becomes legal, though, especially since physical casinos are likely to be taxed at a lower rate than online sports betting sites.
MA Legislative Resources
For residents of Massachusetts interested in finding out more information on current legislation to do with sports betting and gambling in the state or would like to contact local and state representatives to express their opinions or concerns on the subject, they can use the links below.
MA Gambling Resources
If you believe that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, then we encourage you to get in contact with the NCPG Massachusetts or the Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services, found at the links below; they can provide advice and local information and treatment services in your area.
- NCPG Problem Gambling Resources in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts.gov Office of Problem Gambling Services
Best Online MA Sportsbook
While Massachusetts sports betting still isn’t legal, it’s increasingly looking like it will be soon. In the meantime, you can bet on sports with one of the top 10 online sportsbooks in Massachusetts. But, in our opinion, BetOnline is Massachusetts’ leading sportsbook with a 50% deposit match up to $1,000.
Best Massachusetts Sportsbook
50% Up To $250 + 100 Free Spins
Claim Now Massachusetts Online Sports Betting FAQs
Where can I place bets in Massachusetts?
You can place bets at retail facilities such as WynnBET Sportsbook at Encore Boston Harbor and online with inland and offshore sportsbooks.
Why don’t the Massachusetts gaming tribes have sports betting?
Betting on Massachusetts tribal lands is regulated by federal law rather than Massachusetts state law which has been allowed since the end of PASPA. However, there are currently none operating in MA.
What betting is legal in Massachusetts?
Most forms of betting are regulated in Massachusetts except for sports betting on college teams in the state. Casino games, sports betting, and racebooks are all regulated in MA.
When is Massachusetts going to have sports betting?
Massachusetts legal domestic sports betting went live on the 31st of January 2023.
What is the best sports betting app in Massachusetts?
There are several contenders for the title of best sports betting app in Massachusetts, including the likes of MyBookie, BetOnline, XBet, Bovada, and BetUS.
Is online sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, online sports betting is completely regulated in the state of Massachusetts.
Joe Yarnold joined the Basketball Insiders team in October 2021, as a content editor and writer. He obtained his Master’s degree from Framingham State University and has experience writing educational and explanatory articles on all forms of gambling. Although he specializes in casino gaming, NFL, soccer and NBA betting, he has well-rounded knowledge and insight of most sports. His expertise also include researching and analyzing the latest federal and state gambling laws and regulations in the US.
All posts by Joseph YarnoldJoe Yarnold joined the Basketball Insiders team in October 2021, as a content editor and writer. He obtained his Master’s degree from Framingham State University and has experience writing educational and explanatory articles on all forms of gambling. Although he specializes in casino gaming, NFL, soccer and NBA betting, he has well-rounded knowledge and insight of most sports. His expertise also include researching and analyzing the latest federal and state gambling laws and regulations in the US.
All posts by Joseph Yarnold