Online sports betting has been legalized in Massachusetts as of fall 2022. Still, it took some time for the major online sportsbooks to bring their Massachusetts sports betting platforms online, with online sports betting launching on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Big mobile sportsbooks like BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBET have already obtained their licenses to offer MA sports betting ahead of launch. Other significant players in the US sports betting arena will undoubtedly follow suit in what’s likely to be a big sports betting state.
Here we will get into some of the best options for online gambling MA residents can take advantage of once online sportsbooks are up and running. We’ll look at all these sportsbooks based on various critical factors to help MA bettors make the best decisions regarding which sportsbooks to bet with.
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Sports betting is legal in Massachusetts since January 31 2023. The bill was signed by Governor Charlie Baker on August 10th, 2022. With BetMGM, Caesars, WynnBET, and Barstool sportsbooks all licensed. DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook and other major players are already gearing up for their MA licenses.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has already given the green light for brick-and-mortar sports betting to be up and running in time for the famous March Madness NCAA basketball tournament. Legal online sports betting will be live from March 10, 2023, and in time for March Madness, the NBA playoffs, and the 2023 MLB season.
Best online Massachusetts sports betting sites
We expect the already licensed sportsbooks, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, to be up as soon as possible in Massachusetts. Other sportsbooks that are still awaiting the approval of their licenses will no doubt shortly follow. Based on the precedent set in other states, we highly anticipate that licensing will continue to be issued as soon as possible post-launch. Let’s look at our top online options for sportsbooks that will be available in MA.
1. BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts
MGM Resorts International is a trusted brand within the casino and hospitality industries with many years of top-notch service. They’ve taken this extensive reputation into the Massachusetts sportsbook arena and are one of the best overall options for betting in MA.
MA bettors will find the user experience quite pleasant, from signing up to betting to depositing and withdrawing funds. Customer service is top-notch if you need assistance, and the mobile site, desktop and app are all nicely organized and easy to navigate.
You’ll find various sports to bet on, including niche and international sports. Bet types are standard for all our top sportsbooks, including in-game betting, parlays, and teasers. You’ll also find some of the better odds in the industry at BetMGM. The customer loyalty program is among the best, extending to generous bonuses.
New BetMGM MA mobile sportsbook customers can get $200 in Bonus Bets on Registration when signing up pre-launch with our BetMGM Massachusetts bonus code. If you win a bet with your bet credits, you will only collect the winnings and not the amount wagered.
2. DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts
With DraftKings Sportsbook, you are getting all of the company’s expertise and previous experience in its DFS platform applied to a modern sports betting platform. Many MA sports fans likely already play with the DraftKings DFS platform, which means there will be an easy transition and lack of hassle in creating a sportsbook account for them. If you were looking for one sportsbook in MA, DraftKings is as good of a choice as you’ll find.
For one, as mentioned, DraftKings’ extensive experience in the DFS world has led to a very efficient website and app that new and experienced bettors alike will enjoy. An excellent selection of bet types and sports are available, and they are all very well organized for desktop, mobile and app. The live betting options are among the most robust in the industry. You’ll also find the Dynasty Rewards program highly beneficial as a dedicated bettor.
For the welcome bonus. DraftKings offers new MA bettors $200 in bet credits with a minimum wager of $5. Please be aware that when using bet credits, you do not collect your stake if your selection(s) win, you will be paid out the winnings only. This is a great bonus and one that MA sports bettors should certainly take advantage of.
3. FanDuel Sportsbook Massachusetts
Like DraftKings, FanDuel Sportsbook has a long history in the daily fantasy sports industry leading to expertise in app development and user experience. Many sports fans looking for sportsbooks in MA may already have accounts with FanDuel’s DFS platform, making it an easy choice for sports betting.
You’ll find lots of great sports to bet on and bet types, all very well organized for either desktop, mobile or app. All your standard betting fare is available in addition to same-game parlays, in-game betting, a broad selection of player, team, and game props and so much more.
You’ll also enjoy the welcome bonus if looking for the best offers among MA sportsbooks. The current offer is simple: wager at least $5, and get $150 in bet credits win or lose. Please note that on the bet credits, you will only collect your winnings and not the amount wagered if you win. This is standard on all of these offers at the top Massachusetts sportsbooks.
4. Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts
Caesars is a trusted, long-standing brand in the casino and hospitality industry. In forming Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars took over the respected long-time sportsbook William Hill, meaning years of operational experience in the sports betting industry. Between the two, you will find excellent user experience and customer service in addition to a top-notch MA mobile sportsbook with all the bells and whistles.
The sportsbook is easy to navigate whether you use a mobile device or a desktop. Payments and deposits are seamless, and customer service is top-caliber. MA bettors can also enjoy a wide variety of betting options.
These include standard money lines, point spreads, totals, and more. Caesars offers live betting and Same Game Parlays, and you can even live-stream NFL events through the Caesars app and website. You’ll also find generous bonuses and promotions.
New MA bettors can use our Caesars bonus code to get their First Bet on Caesars Up To $1,500. Caesars also has one of the most generous rewards programs among MA sportsbooks. Please note that you must use your bet credits within 30 days, and you only collect your winnings, not the amount bet if you win.
How to sign-up for a sports betting account in Massachusetts
It will be easy to sign up for a sports betting account in MA using any of our recommended sportsbooks. Please see this step-by-step guide to getting your account started:
- Upon choosing a sportsbook you’d like to sign up for from our list of top options, please click through one of our links to the sign-up page.
- You’ll be prompted to add personal information such as your name, address and date of birth, and set up your username and password to log in to the sportsbook.
- You will generally need to verify your account with any online sportsbook. You’ll receive an email to click a verification link. You may be required to provide additional details, such as proof of identity.
- Now you will want to make your first deposit. There will be a welcome bonus for your first deposit at any of the sportsbooks we’ve listed. Some will require a promo code, and some will not. If a promo code is needed, please use the promo code we have provided for that particular bonus offer.
- Now you are ready to browse the sportsbook and find a wager you’d like to place. We’ll go into more detail below on making bets with an online sportsbook.
Best Massachusetts sports betting mobile apps
At the moment, there are no Massachusetts native sports betting apps active. Still, as early as March of 2023, we could see mobile apps for top sportsbooks like BetMGM and Caesars ready to download for iOS and Android devices. Let’s take a look at these apps and what they have to offer.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook App Massachusetts
On top of offering a generally highly functional app for iOS and Android, DraftKings has a few things going for it that set it apart. Most prominent is the proprietary Stats Hub, enabling you to do easy research into vital statistics to inform your betting decisions.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook App Massachusetts
The FanDuel Sportsbook iOS and Android apps pick up right where the DFS app left off with a beginner-friendly interface and clean organization of sports, games and bet types. Please note that the Google Play store does not allow gambling apps to be listed, so you will need to download the Android app directly from FanDuel Sportsbook’s website. This is the case with all of our top-ranked apps.
3. Caesars Sportsbook App Massachusetts
Available for iOS and Android, the Caesars Sportsbook app is straightforward to navigate, just like the desktop site but optimized for smaller screens. The experience of placing a bet is as easy to understand as possible, making it clear exactly what you are betting on and how much you are betting and stand to win.
4. BetMGM Sportsbook App Massachusetts
There’s little not to like about the BetMGM app, notably since it was improved in 2022. The current version is as easy to navigate as any MA mobile betting app on the market. You’ll also find it easy to see time-sensitive information, such as the promotions available on any given day.
Best Massachusetts sports betting promo codes and bonuses
Sports betting is a game of tight margins. To be profitable in the long run, you’ll want to take advantage of every bonus available. This can significantly impact your ultimate return on investment (ROI).
Every online sportsbook in MA will offer welcome bonuses, and many provide additional deposit reload bonuses. Plus, many offer ongoing promotions, odds boosts, parlay insurance and more lucrative offers. Taking advantage of all the offers available can be the difference between a good year of sports betting and the opposite.
It is an excellent idea to sign up for as many MA online sportsbooks as possible if you are a serious sports bettor. This way, you can take advantage of all the welcome bonuses and ongoing offers and ensure you’re betting at the best odds on any given bet selection.
By signing up for more than one sportsbook, MA residents also give themselves the opportunity to “line shop” for the best odds. This can make a massive difference in the long-term ROI of any sports bettor and is highly recommended. It doesn’t make sense to place a wager without seeing if you can find the most advantageous line/odds. Let’s look at the best promo codes and bonuses MA sports betting sites are currently offering.
1. BetMGM MA Bonus Code
mobile sportsbook customers can get $200 in Bonus Bets on Registration when signing up pre-launch with our BetMGM Massachusetts bonus code.
3. Caesars MA Bonus Code
If you want to bet in MA, you’ll undoubtedly want to take advantage of the First Bet on Caesars Up To $1,500 bonus code on offer to new players
4. DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code
In other states, DraftKings typically run a Bet $5, Get $150 in Bet Credits promo, but there is no official word on what the MA launch offer will be, but be sure to check back as sports betting launches for the latest DraftKings Bonuses.
4. FanDuel Sportsbook Promo Code
FanDuel sportsbook is offering $100 in bonus bets promotion for new players in Massachusetts.
How to bet on sports online in Massachusetts
Once you’ve signed up for one of the options for online gambling MA residents have available to them, placing wagers is easy as pie. Please see our step-by-step guide:
- Choose a sport you would like to bet on from the list of available options.
- Browse the wagers available; these will include sides (point spreads and money lines), over/under (totals), prop bets and more.
- Choose a bet you would like to place and decide whether to place a standalone bet or a parlay.
- If placing a single bet, choose the dollar amount you want to wager and submit your bet.
- If you’re going to parlay the bet with one or more additional selections, find the other wagers you’d like to make part of your parlay. Then, select the dollar amount and submit your bet.
Legal Massachusetts sports betting legislation timeline
- March 10, 2023: Online sports betting officially launches in the state of Massachusetts.
- January 19, 2023: Bally Bet, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Betway were all approved for temporary sports betting licenses in the state of Massachusetts.
- January 4, 2023: Upon becoming approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Barstool Sportsbook joined BetMGM, Caesars and WynnBet as the fourth legally licensed MA online sportsbook.
- December 30, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission officially stated that retail sports betting should be active by January 31st, 2023. The expectation is that online sports betting will follow shortly after that.
- December 20, 2022: Licenses for BetMGM online sportsbook and the retail sportsbook MGM Springfield were approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
- November 17, 2022: Progress marched on with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The goal is for brick-and-mortar casino sports betting to be launched by January 2023. March of 2023 is the target for online sportsbooks to launch.
- October 17, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission met to review MA licensing regulations.
Where can I bet on sports in Massachusetts?
As soon as January 31, 2023, retail options like MGM Springfield are expected to open. By March, we’ll likely see regulated US-based online sportsbooks like BetMGM and Caesars ready to go. For now, let’s look at the sportsbooks where MA residents can bet as of launch. Here is a list of the US-regulated online MA sportsbooks that are soon to open in early 2023:
- Caesars
- BetMGM
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- WynnBET
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Betway
- BallyBet
- Betr
Can you bet in person in Massachusetts?
Retail sports betting in Massachusetts has been legalized and operational since January 31, 2023. We’ll look at the best options for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in MA below.
Massachusetts retail sportsbook locations
There are currently three retail in-person Massachusetts sports betting options. More, including sportsbooks at racetracks, are expected to join these three. In the meantime, those looking for in-person sports gambling in Massachusetts will have these options available to them:
| Massachusetts Retail Sportsbook | Location | Sportsbook |
| MGM Springfield | 1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103 |
BetMGM |
| Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 |
WynnBET |
| Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762 |
PENN |
Can you bet on college sports in Massachusetts?
Upon the launch of US online sportsbooks in MA, bettors can bet on NCAA sports for all games involving teams outside Massachusetts. This may be a disappointment for MA sports fans looking to wager on their favorite college teams in the state. Yet, there are a couple of caveats that those looking to get money down on their favorite MA college teams will be pleased by.
You can bet on Massachusetts teams if they play in a tournament. This means you’ll be able to put your money on UMass come March Madness were they to reach the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Still, games qualifying for this distinction may expand beyond big post-season tournament contests.
The wording as to what a “tournament” entails is a bit hazy. The specific term “postseason tournament” was not used. This means that college basketball enthusiasts in MA may also be able to bet on in-season tournaments, which are common in NCAA basketball. This is good news for MA college sports fans looking to bet on their teams.
In addition, single-game and in-play wagers on Massachusetts college teams are explicitly banned. Still, there is no mention in the stipulation of futures betting. This means that MA sports bettors should be able to make futures wagers on teams like Boston College to win the ACC, etc. This way, you can enjoy the action on your favorite Massachusetts NCAA teams all season long.
Betting on Massachusetts teams
Massachusetts – Boston in particular – has long been known as a passionate and devoted sports city. Few places in the US can boast longer-standing franchises and fans of the same level of commitment and passion. From a betting perspective, let’s look at the major pro sports teams in MA and some of the top sports colleges.
New England Patriots
In semi-recent times, few professional sports teams have had the same success as the New England Patriots, with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady at the helm. While their dynasty has ended, they still have Bill Belichick on their side and are rebuilding and fostering promising young talent. NFL enthusiasts in MA can bet on point spreads, money lines, totals (over/under), futures, props and even place in-game bets on their New England Patriots.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in the professional sports world. They boast one of the most historic rivalries in the professional sports world with the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston has maintained a consistently competitive team in recent years.
There is plenty of Massachusetts sports betting to be enjoyed with betting on the NBA and the Celtics. You’ll find spread bets, money lines, totals, half and quarter-betting and futures. Plus, the NBA prop market is robust with individual player props like rebounds, points, assists and more. It can be profitable to catch a prop line before it has moved after significant news breaks, such as player injuries.
Boston Red Sox
There are few more legendary teams in the American sports canon than the Boston Red Sox. They experienced a very long (86 years!) World Series drought attributed to some lousy mojo incurred due to the trade of the legendary Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1918. Still, that ended in 2004, and the Red Sox have had their share of success in recent years.
Red Sox fans can bet on money lines, run lines (the baseball version of a point spread), totals and prop bets like over/under a starting pitcher’s strikeout total. While not as popular as NFL betting, betting specialists will tell you that the MLB is one of the most profitable sports to bet on when done right.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are the third oldest hockey team in the NHL, making them part of the fabled “original six” ever teams. They have a storied history and are currently the best team in all of the NHL in the standings by a fair margin. There may be no better threesome when sharing the ice in all of hockey than Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak.
Hockey is much like baseball; you can bet on money lines, puck lines (the hockey version of a point spread), totals, futures, in-game betting and props. As a low-scoring sport where goals can score in unusual ways, it is relatively easy for big underdogs to win hockey games. This makes it a good option for contrarian bettors.
Boston College Eagles
Boston College houses competitive NCAA Division I teams in College Football and College Basketball. US-regulated sportsbooks will not allow betting on Boston College games except when they play in tournaments. It would however appear that futures bets on Boston College will be permitted. Common college sports bets include point spreads, money lines, totals and futures.
UMass Minutemen
UMass is another top sports college in MA. Upon the launch of US-regulated sportsbooks, Massachusetts residents can only bet on UMass games when they play in a tournament. Still, nothing states that you can’t place a futures bet on UMass and other MA college teams. College bets are much like pro sports; you have sides (point spread or money line), totals (over/under), futures and more.
Who can bet on sports in Massachusetts?
You must be 21 to bet on sports in Massachusetts at regulated US sportsbooks. At the soon-to-launch US-regulated sportsbooks, you can place bets while within the state lines of Massachusetts, regardless of residency.
If you are in a non-regulated state, you would only be able to place bets as an MA resident once you are back in a legal state. What matters is what state you are in when you place the bet. You can’t place a bet in a non-legal state just because you are a resident of MA.
Do you have to pay sports betting taxes on winnings in Massachusetts?
Yes, you must pay sports betting taxes on gambling winnings in all US states. MA residents must pay state and federal taxes on sports betting winnings. Ordinary income in MA is taxed at 5%, but this rate is variable based on your overall taxable income. This would apply to gambling profits as well.
On any winnings over $5,000, you will be issued a Form W2-G by the sportsbook. Winnings of less than this are not automatically withheld, but you may still be subject to taxes on all gambling winnings. Paying your taxes on all gambling profits is essential, as they are treated as income by the IRS and the state.
How does Massachusetts sports betting compare with New Hampshire?
Legal US sportsbooks like DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbooks are already legal and running in neighboring New Hampshire. A drive across the border to place a wager is an option for MA sports bettors until the regulated MA sportsbooks are running.
Sports betting has been legal in New Hampshire since 2019. There are three in-person betting locations, all run by DraftKings. Online sportsbooks in NH are also permitted, but DraftKings has a monopoly on the market. So, if you want to bet on sports with a regulated US Sportsbook in New Hampshire, it will have to be with DraftKings.
This will contrast with Massachusetts, where many legal online and brick-and-mortar sportsbook operators will be available. MA residents will be treated to a more diverse selection of sports betting options and the ability to line shop and take full advantage of many welcome bonuses.
Can you play fantasy sports in Massachusetts?
Yes, fantasy sports are entirely legal in Massachusetts. You can play daily fantasy sports (DFS) on DraftKings, FanDuel and other DFS sites to your heart’s content. MA residents have been betting on these sites since 2016.
Daily fantasy sports are a great way to enjoy the action of sports gambling in Massachusetts with a different nuance than traditional sports betting. DFS allows you to use your sports knowledge of individual players and matchups to beat the competition in peer-to-peer contests for money.
Instead of betting on teams or game outcomes like totals, you bet on individual player performance. This is similar to prop betting, but you construct fantasy sports teams of multiple players instead of individual player props. You are then scored based on the performance of your overall team. This is much like season-long fantasy sports but is daily or weekly instead.
Even once regulated US sportsbooks like DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook are up and running, DFS will still be available. You can enjoy accumulated member perks on DraftKings and FanDuel through betting and DFS play. For helpful information to guide you in your DFS contests, please check out Fantasy Alarm.