Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts? Everything You Need to Know

Massachusetts thrives as a sports betting hub, fueled by Boston’s legendary teams, the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins, and a market launched in 2022.

House Bill 5164 legalized retail betting on January 31, 2023, at three casinos, followed by online betting on March 10, 2023, with seven active sportsbooks.

The MGC ensures strict oversight, with a 20% online and 15% retail tax rate generating $78.6 million in 2024. Mobile bets dominate, accounting for 92% of the $622 million February 2025 handle.

Restrictions on in-state college teams (e.g., UMass, Boston College) outside tournaments reflect caution, while offshore sites tempt some with risky alternatives.

 The Legalization Story

Massachusetts’ betting journey began with the 2018 Murphy v. NCAA ruling, which struck down PASPA, freeing states to regulate sports wagering.

Early efforts faltered. 2018 and 2019 bills stalled over college betting concerns and tax debates. In 2021, nearly 20 proposals, including HB 3993, gained traction but failed due to Senate delays and NCAA-aligned worries about student-athletes.

The breakthrough came in 2022 when House Bill 5164, passed on August 1 and signed by Governor Charlie Baker on August 10, legalized betting. Retail launched at three casinos on January 31, 2023, and online betting followed on March 10, perfectly timed for March Madness.

Boston’s sports mania and economic goals, capturing revenue lost to neighboring states like Rhode Island, drove the swift rollout, making Massachusetts a New England betting leader.

Regulations and College Restrictions

House Bill 5164, enforced by the MGC, sets a clear framework:

• Age and Location: Bettors must be 21+ and in Massachusetts, verified by geolocation technology (e.g., GeoComply’s millions of monthly checks).
• Taxation: 20% on online revenue, 15% on retail, yielding $78.6 million in 2024 for education, infrastructure, and $2 million for problem gambling programs.
• College Betting Limits: No bets on in-state college teams (e.g., UMass, Boston College) except in multi-state tournaments; college player prop bets are banned.
• Licensing: Up to 15 online licenses (seven untethered, eight tethered to casinos/racetracks), costing $5 million for five years, plus $1 million temporary fees.

Federal laws like the 1961 Wire Act and 2006 UIGEA deter offshore betting, while MGC’s audits, bans on credit card deposits, and fair promotion rules (no “risk-free bets”) ensure integrity.

Recent Developments in Massachusetts Sports Betting

[June 23, 2025]: Massachusetts Lawmakers Debate Online Casino Legalization 

[June 18, 2025]: Massachusetts Gaming Commission Seeks Notice for Oddball Bets 

[June 10, 2025]: Massachusetts Regulator Calls U.S. Gambling a ‘Highway Without Speed Limits’ in Guardian Interview 

[May 27, 2025]: Massachusetts Slaps $50K in Fines on Sportsbooks for Betting Blunders 

Massachusetts’ Betting Lineup

Massachusetts’ market features seven online sportsbooks and retail venues, fueled by Boston’s sports obsession:

• Bally Bet: Launched July 2024, offering competitive odds.
• BetMGM: Tied to MGM Springfield, with a sleek app and retail lounge.
• Caesars Sportsbook: Paired with Encore Boston Harbor, known for promotions.
• DraftKings: Boston-based, partnered with Foxwoods, excelling in live betting and a $200 bonus for a $5 wager.
• ESPN BET: Rebranded from Barstool in November 2023, offering engaging interfaces.
• Fanatics Sportsbook: Launched August 2023, tied to Plainridge Park, with innovative features.
• FanDuel: Linked to Plainridge, known for live streaming and a $200 bonus for a $5 win.

Retail Betting:

• Encore Boston Harbor (123-foot video wall),
• MGM Springfield (first bets January 2023),
• Plainridge Park Casino,
• Future simulcast venues like Raynham Park (partnered with Caesars).

DFS Platforms: DraftKings and FanDuel offer legal daily fantasy sports, complementing betting.

Mobile betting rules, with 92% of the $622 million February 2025 handle placed online, driven by promotions and Boston’s tech-savvy fans. Retail lounges enhance game-day vibes, with casinos employing thousands.

Options and Market Energy

Massachusetts bettors enjoy diverse options:

• Spreads
• Moneylines
• Totals (over/under)
• Parlays
• Prop bets (excluding college player props)
• Futures
• Live betting
• Same-game parlays

Fans wager on NFL (Patriots), NBA (Celtics), MLB (Red Sox), NHL (Bruins), MLS (Revolution), and college sports, with in-state teams like UMass restricted to tournaments. High school sports, politics, entertainment awards, and Russian/Belarusian-governed events are banned.

Esports betting is limited but under MGC review. Mobile apps offer live streaming, real-time odds, and AI personalization, with 92% of bets placed online. The MGC’s geolocation and ban on credit card deposits ensure compliance, while 8.1 million geolocation checks in March 2023’s first three days highlight robust enforcement.

Revenue and Jobs

Massachusetts’ betting market is an economic powerhouse. The $622 million February 2025 handle contributed to a $7.9 billion 2024 total, generating $78.6 million in taxes (20% online, 15% retail).

Since January 2023, the state collected $294.08 million in taxes and fees by May 2025. Funds support:

• General Fund (45%): Education, infrastructure.
• Gaming Local Aid Fund (27.5%): Municipal services.
• Workforce Investment Trust Fund (17.5%): Job training.
• Public Health Trust Fund (9%): $2 million for problem gambling in 2024.
• Youth Development Fund (1%): Youth programs.

Casinos like Encore Boston Harbor (9,900 jobs, $1.3 billion economic impact in 2022) and MGM Springfield drive employment in hospitality and tech, with 4,500 minorities and 3,300 women hired.

Operators spent $48.3 million on diverse vendors. Compared to New York ($1.9 billion February handle) and New Hampshire ($78 million), Massachusetts’ $622 million handle reflects regional dominance, fueled by Boston’s sports culture and mobile betting.

Steering Clear of Offshore Traps

Some bettors use offshore sites like Bovada for in-state college props or perceived better odds, but these pose serious risks:

• Legal Violations: Violate Massachusetts law and federal Wire Act/UIGEA, risking penalties, though individual prosecutions are rare. The Attorney General issued cease-and-desist letters to Bovada in 2024.
• Financial Risks: Delayed or withheld winnings with no legal recourse; high rollover requirements trap funds.
• Security Risks: No U.S. data protections, increasing fraud/breach risks.
• Unfair Odds: Unaudited odds may disadvantage bettors.
• No Safeguards: No responsible gambling tools, heightening addiction risks.

MGC’s 2024–2025 warnings and official seal of approval promote legal platforms like DraftKings, which offer audited odds and consumer protections. DFS and sweepstakes sites like Fliff provide safer alternatives.

Betting Smart: Responsible Gambling in the Bay State

Massachusetts prioritizes responsible gambling with MGC-mandated tools:

• Deposit/Time/Loss Limits: Cap spending/time via apps; PlayMyWay tracks casino slot spending.
• Self-Exclusion: Blocks access for 1–5 years or permanently, with winnings forfeited to the Gaming Revenue Fund.
• Reality Checks: Alerts on time/money spent; AI flags risky betting patterns.
• Support Links: Display 1-800-GAMBLER and GameSenseMA.com.

Practical tips include:

• Budget Wisely: Use disposable income (e.g., $20 per game from $100).
• Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t raise bets to recover losses.
• Take Breaks: Pause every 30–60 minutes.
• Understand Odds: Set realistic expectations.
• Healthy Alternatives: Try exercise, hobbies, or volunteering for stress relief.

The NCPG estimates 2–3% of Americans face gambling issues. Massachusetts’ Public Health Trust Fund allocated $2 million for treatment in 2024, with $7.4 million for research in 2023.

Resources like 1-800-GAMBLER and Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health offer 24/7 support. In 2023, 38,000 accounts used game management tools, and 8,728 applied temporary bans, reflecting proactive engagement.

The Future of Betting in Boston’s Backyard

Massachusetts’ market is poised for growth in 2025, with a $622 million February handle and $7.9 billion in 2024 signaling demand.

Mobile betting (92% of handle) and Boston’s sports passion drive success, outpacing New Hampshire ($78 million). The MGC may expand esports betting, with 15 online licenses allowing new operators like Bet365.

In-state college betting restrictions will likely persist, aligning with NCAA priorities. The 20% online tax rate ensures competitiveness, while AI and VR enhancements boost app engagement.

A May 2024 MGC conference with the Northeast Council on Problem Gambling aims to increase tool usage (e.g., only 2.3% use deposit limits), reinforcing responsible gambling leadership.

Is sports betting legal in 2025?

Legal since August 2022 via House Bill 5164.

Which sportsbooks operate?

Seven online (Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel); retail at Encore, MGM Springfield, Plainridge, and simulcast venues.

Can I bet on UMass or Boston College?

Only in multi-state tournaments; no college player prop bets.

What’s the minimum age?

21, with geolocation verification.

What bets are allowed?

Spreads, moneylines, totals, parlays, props (excluding college player props), futures, live betting, same-game parlays.

What are offshore risks?

Legal violations, payment delays, data breaches, unfair odds, no safeguards.

Where to get help?

1-800-GAMBLER, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, GameSenseMA.com.