If you're trying to decide which Massachusetts sportsbooks to choose from, you've come to the right place. We reviewed the best Massachusetts sports betting sites, deciding what each sportsbook does best.
MA Sportsbook | Our Overall Rating |
---|---|
1. FanDuel | 9.1/10 |
2. DraftKings | 8.9/10 |
3. BetMGM | 8.6/10 |
4. Fanatics | 8.2/10 |
5. Caesars | 7.1/10 |
We’ve got the lowdown on the best Massachusetts sportsbooks available. You can trust our expert-reviewed ratings because we've compared features like betting markets, promotional offers, and user experience.
Partner(s): | Boston Bruins |
Retail Sportsbook: | None |
No. of Kiosks: | N/A |
If you're new to betting in Massachusetts, you'll want to find the sportsbook with the best odds for local teams. That sportsbook is FanDuel Massachusetts.
FanDuel Massachusetts has the second-largest market share, taking 31% of bets.
Partner(s): | Untethered License |
Retail Sportsbook: | None |
No. of Kiosks: | N/A |
Unsurprisingly, DraftKings Massachusetts, a company from Boston, offers the best odds on the Red Sox compared to other MA betting sites. As an official partner for the Boston Bruins, DraftKings also provides some of the most generous betting lines available on the state's NHL team.
In fact, DraftKings Massachusetts offers a wide range of sports betting markets, covering everything from basketball and football to soccer and tennis.
Most experts expected DraftKings to take the biggest market share when betting launched in MA. That's proven to be the case, with 50% of all bets placed at DraftKings.
Partner(s): | Boston Red Sox |
Retail Sportsbook: | BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield |
No. of Kiosks: | 18 |
BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts has the best overall betting experience, including the best rewards scheme. Our experts believe the MGM Rewards program is best for players in Massachusetts, as you can claim rewards by visiting the MGM Springfield Casino.
BetMGM's partnership with the Boston Red Sox team, its first in Massachusetts, suggests exclusive odds boosts on Red Sox games, making it a strong contender for the state's best sports betting app.
Partner(s): | Plainridge Park Casino |
Retail Sportsbook: | None |
No. of Kiosks: | N/A |
Fanatics Sportsbook launched its beta app in Massachusetts in May 2023, partnering with Plainridge Park Casino, and fully launched in September 2023.
Fanatics is recognized for its strong brand recognition in the sports merchandise industry. It is regarded as one of the top choices for Massachusetts sportsbooks and could potentially become one of the best U.S. sportsbooks. Other top features include the FanCash rewards program, early cashouts, and mobile betting.
Partner(s): | Encore Casino Boston |
Retail Sportsbook: | None |
No. of Kiosks: | N/A |
Along with a generous welcome bonus, you can expect an array of promotions at Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts, including a loyalty program that gives you rewards for betting online and inside Caesars' retail sportsbooks.
MA Online Sportsbook | Partner(s) | Retail Locations |
---|---|---|
ESPN BET Massachusetts | Untethered License | Plainridge Park Casino |
Bally Bet Massachusetts | Untethered License | N/A |
Signing up for multiple Massachusetts sports betting sites offers several advantages. It provides access to a wider range of betting options, competitive odds, and diverse promotions. Additionally, it allows users to compare and choose the best platforms, maximize bonuses, and take advantage of unique features offered by each site.
Sports Betting Available?: | Yes (online & retail) |
No. of Sportsbooks Available: | 6 |
Legal Betting Age: | 21+ |
In-State College Sports Betting Available?: | Only in tournaments |
Online Horse Betting Available?: | Yes |
DFS Available?: | Yes |
eSports Betting Available? | Yes |
Tax Rate: | 20% |
Regulated By: | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
Launch Date: | March 10, 2023 |
Sports betting is legal in Massachusetts and has been since March 10, 2023. As a state with such a rich sporting history, it’s no surprise that Massachusetts is already establishing itself as one of the biggest U.S. sports betting markets with an increasing Massachusetts sports culture.
Massachusetts sports betting is legal for people 21 years or older, but is restricted to those physically present in Massachusetts.
The state allows betting on most professional sports, while betting on college sports in Massachusetts is partially limited. Betting on youth sports and inter-collegiate competitions is not allowed. Beyond team sports, you can bet on horse racing, daily fantasy sports, and eSports.
Licensing is handled by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) with specific license categories for different operators.
Massachusetts sports betting law allows for up to 15 online sportsbooks; retail sportsbooks are also legal in casinos and racinos. Eight licenses are available, as Betr and WynnBET have exited the Massachusetts betting market.
Massachusetts online casinos are still unregulated.
Governor Charlie Baker signed HB 5164 on August 10, 2022, declaring betting legal in Massachusetts.
While Massachusetts lawmakers in the Massachusetts House of Representatives broadly agreed that legalizing sports betting would be a good move for the state, significant disagreements delayed every bill. Lawmakers debated the tax rate applied to Massachusetts betting sites and whether betting on in-state college teams should be banned.
In the end, the final terms of HB 5164, titled the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act, were as follows:
You are required to pay taxes if you earn winnings from Massachusetts betting sites. You must declare all your winnings to the IRS and complete a W-2G form if you win over $600. Mass sportsbooks can withhold up to 25% of your winnings as tax. You must also declare your winnings on your state income tax return, payable at a flat rate of 6.25%.
Massachusetts online sportsbooks are available to a select few organizations. Commercial Massachusetts casinos, racetracks or racinos, OTBs, and online operators can offer MA sports betting.
Under Massachusetts law, up to 15 online Massachusetts betting sites are allowed, and casinos and the three racetracks in the state are permitted to apply for sportsbook licenses as well.
Eight licenses are set aside for partnerships with a land-based partner, while seven licenses can be issued on a standalone basis. A Massachusetts license fee of $5.2 million is payable every five years.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates sports betting in Massachusetts and oversees casino gaming and horse racing. The MGC created the regulatory framework after HB 5164 was signed. Its mission statement is "to create a fair, transparent, and participatory process for implementing the expanded gaming law."
The group comprises five full-time commissioners overseeing all licensing and regulatory processes. The five commissioners who head up the Massachusetts Gaming Commission are aided by over 100 full-time staff.
Any sportsbook wanting to apply to offer legal sports betting in Massachusetts needs to go through a thorough investigation by the MGC to ensure that the company is fit for purpose.
Massachusetts shares a land border with five states, all of which have made online and retail sports betting legal. Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire offer legal sports betting. All these states have the same restrictions for betting on in-state college teams.
PASPA is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. This landmark decision allows individual states to decide whether to make sports betting legal in Massachusetts.
11 different sports betting bills are tabled in an attempt to make betting legal in Massachusetts. The lack of cohesion across the bills causes delays, ensuring no progress was made for Massachusetts betting in 2019.
The bills from 2019 are eventually pooled into a single bill. HB 4559 bounces around the House and Senate, but eventually, the bill fails in the Senate due to disagreements on the sports betting terminology used.
Lessons from the previous year are not learned, and multiple sports betting bills are proposed. At one point, over 20 active pieces of legislation attempted to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts.
HB 3977 is proposed to the House. This bill consolidates elements of various House and Senate bills. HB 3977 passes the House by 156-3 and now moves to the Senate for review.
The Senate makes various amendments to HB 3977, including changes to the tax rate and introducing bans on in-state college betting and advertising during games. The Senate passes the revised bill (HB 3993), and it moves back to the House.
The House rejects the changes introduced by the Senate. Several weeks pass with no visible progress. Gov. Baker publicly voices his displeasure, stating his desire to pass a Massachusetts sports betting law before the legislative session ends on July 31, 2022.
Compromise is reached deep into the night on the last sitting of the 2022 legislative session. Both the House and Senate agree on tax rates, advertising, and in-state betting, so the new bill (HB 5164) moves to Gov. Baker for signing to become the Massachusetts sports betting legislation.
Gov. Baker signs HB 5164, signifying the most crucial day in Massachusetts sports betting history. Online Massachusetts sports betting is legal, and the action moves to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to ensure that the Massachusetts market is ready for launch.
On-site sports betting began on Jan. 31 in Massachusetts. Mobile wagering is expected to begin before the March 14 start of the NCAA men’s March Madness basketball tournament, but no exact date has been provided.
The Massachusetts sports betting launch occurs, with three retail sportsbooks given the go ahead by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and opening just in time for the Super Bowl.
MA mobile sports betting launches with six online sportsbooks available. Massachusetts sports betting revenue exceeds expectations, with over $550 million of bets taken in March.
Retail sports betting is legalized in Massachusetts, and there are three locations where you can bet in person.
Retail Sportsbook | Address | Kiosks |
---|---|---|
ESPN BET Sportsbook at Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington Street, Plainville, MA 02762 | 20 |
BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield | 1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103 | 18 |
Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 | 118 |
Caesars Sportsbook's deal to open a retail location at Raynham Park has stalled.
Massachusetts is a sports-mad state, with each of the four major league sports being represented. This state is home to successful teams in major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, offering many opportunities for sports betting. Between the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Celtics, and the Boston Bruins, Massachusetts can claim 38 championships, with legendary names in MA sports, including Tom Brady, Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bobby Orr, and Ted Williams.
Massachusetts also has several NCAA Division I colleges, adding to the betting options. In this guide, we'll highlight popular teams, key players, and different betting options.
The New England Patriots are a beloved team in Massachusetts with a strong fan base, playing their first season in 1960. The Patriots, based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, are one of the most successful teams in NFL history and have been a dominant force in the NFL since the early 2000s. They have won six Super Bowl titles, primarily under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.
The Patriots' recent performance has been mixed, with highs and lows, but a promising roster shows potential for future success.
The Boston Celtics, with a rich history dating back to 1946, are among the most successful teams in the NBA's history. They play their home games at the legendary TD Garden, which has a 19,580-seat capacity and is also the home arena for the Boston Bruins. The Celtics hold a record 18 NBA Championships.
Over the years, the Celtics have been home to legendary players such as Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce. The team's current roster features talented players like Jayson Tatum and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, who have played a significant role in the Celtics' recent successes.
The Boston Red Sox have won World Series titles since 1901, so they will always get attention. Founded in 1901, the Boston Red Sox are one of the oldest franchises in MLB. Playing at the iconic Fenway Park, the Red Sox have won nine World Series titles.
Their roster boasts talented players from around the globe, making them a strong contender each season.
The Worcester Red Sox, affectionately known as the WooSox, are the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. They play in the newly built Polar Park in Worcester, allowing fans to see future Red Sox stars in action before they make it to the big leagues.
Founded in 1924, the Boston Bruins are the third-oldest team in the NHL and the oldest in the United States. They are one of the NHL's "Original Six" teams, with a rich history that includes six Stanley Cup championships.
Their roster consistently features skilled and gritty players. In fact, the team's legacy is marked by legendary players like Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, and Zdeno Chara.
The Springfield Thunderbirds are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They are the affiliate of the St. Louis Blues of the NHL. The Thunderbirds provide thrilling hockey action and serve as a stepping stone for players aiming to make it to the NHL.
Founded in 1995, the New England Revolution is a professional soccer team based in Massachusetts. While not as old as some other major sports teams in the area, the Revolution has established a strong presence in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team has had notable success, reaching the MLS Cup final multiple times. The Revolution holds the record for the most appearances in the MLS Cup finals without winning, having participated in five finals in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2014.
New England Revolution II is a professional soccer team that competes in the MLS Next Pro, the third division of American soccer. Serving as the reserve team for the Major League Soccer club New England Revolution, this team offers a platform for emerging soccer talent to demonstrate their skills and make their mark in the sport.
Massachusetts boasts a vibrant college sports scene in addition to professional teams. The area is home to several NCAA Division I programs, including:
The Boston Cannons, now known as the Cannons Lacrosse Club, are a professional men's field lacrosse team that competes in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). The team was originally based in Boston, Massachusetts, and competed in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) as the Boston Cannons from their inaugural 2001 season until 2020.
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The Cannons have a rich history of success, having won two Steinfeld Cup championship games in 2011 and 2020, the latter being the MLL's final championship.
In 2020, following the MLL-PLL merger, the team joined the PLL and rebranded as the Cannons Lacrosse Club. Despite the change in league and name, the team continues to showcase some of the best lacrosse talent in the world.
Banking options at Massachusetts sportsbooks include:
It's important to note that banking options may vary between sportsbooks in Massachusetts. It's recommended that you review the available options and terms provided by the Massachusetts sportsbook you use.
Massachusetts strongly promotes responsible gambling, with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission requiring sportsbooks to meet high standards for player protection. You can access a state-wide self-exclusion program to prohibit yourself from playing for a specific time.
Many sportsbooks offer tools such as deposit limits and time-outs to help you control your gambling. Some organizations, such as the Massachusetts National Council for Problem Gambling and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, support problem gamblers and their families.
Choosing legal sportsbooks in Massachusetts ensures a safe and protected betting experience. These regulated platforms offer several advantages over unlicensed or offshore operators.
Starting to bet on sports in Massachusetts is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Online sports betting launched in Massachusetts in March 2023, and the Bay State immediately became one of the biggest markets. Some of the best sports betting apps in the U.S. are now live in Massachusetts, and we've reviewed the best Massachusetts betting sites on this page. Keep checking this page for the latest Massachusetts sports betting updates.
Sportsbook promos are on offer range from insured bets to bonus bets, so you can try your luck on several sites to take advantage of these great offers. If you're located in Massachusetts, you can bet using one of the Massachusetts betting apps available, meaning that you are always close to the action when betting on sports in Massachusetts.
MA legal sports betting started on January 31, 2023. Sports betting in Mass is available at retail and online sportsbooks for anyone aged 21+ and within state lines. You can bet online using one of the recommended sportsbooks on this page or by visiting one of the retail sportsbooks located in the state.
Many different sportsbooks in Massachusetts offer a great customer experience. BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, FanDuel, and DraftKings Massachusetts all have a generous welcome bonus and an easy-to-use mobile app, and we recommend that you check these sportsbooks out and find the best one for your needs and liking.
Bally Bet, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and ESPN BET are live in Massachusetts.
You need to join licensed Massachusetts sports betting sites to wager money on the NFL, NBA, MLB, and events from other major sports organizations. You need to be 21+ and in the state to bet on sports. Join our recommended Massachusetts betting sites and deposit to place sports bets.
Yes, you can bet on sports online in Massachusetts. Online sports betting was legalized in Massachusetts when Gov. Baker signed HB 5164 on August 10, 2022, and launched on March 10, 2023. Now, several online operators are online to accept your wagers.
The Massachusetts betting age is 21 and over. Efforts to legalize Massachusetts sports betting operators were partly based on the need to protect minors. This becomes clear when you look back through Massachusetts sports betting history. That's why retail sportsbooks and online Massachusetts betting sites only serve customers aged 21+.
Yes! DraftKings is one of the Massachusetts sports betting sites that has launched. Locals will already know DraftKings from its Massachusetts Daily Fantasy Sports app. However, because House Bill 5164 made sports betting legal in Massachusetts, DraftKings can now offer pre-game and live betting alongside its DFS competitions.
Bet365 isn't licensed in Massachusetts, and there hasn't been any indication that it will be available alongside the top MA sportsbooks in the near future. However, new Massachusetts sportsbooks are being approved constantly, so this betting site could go live in the future.