Massachusetts Sports Betting Scores Big in April with $690M Handle

A Slam Dunk for April

In April, Massachusetts bettors poured $690.3 million into sports wagers, a 14.4% jump from April 2024, though a 4.5% dip from March’s frenzy. The Bay State’s taxable revenue hit $65.9 million, soaring 34.2% year-over-year and 25.8% from March, thanks to a 9.55% statewide hold.

Online betting apps ruled the roost, generating $65.5 million in revenue from a $680.5 million handle, with a solid 9.86% hold across seven platforms.

Boston-based DraftKings led the pack, raking in $343 million in wagers, up 13% from last April but down $9 million from March, while banking $37.8 million in revenue at an 11.02% hold, the state’s highest.

FanDuel trailed with a $185.9 million handle, down from $208 million in March, netting $17.9 million at a 9.63% hold.

The Rest of the Online Pack

BetMGM held third place, pulling $55.1 million in bets and $3.9 million in revenue with a 7.08% hold. Fanatics followed, handling $49.3 million and earning $3.1 million at a 6.3% hold.

ESPN Bet crossed the $1 million revenue mark, taking $21.7 million in wagers for $1.8 million in revenue, though its 4.61% hold lagged. Caesars brought up the rear, with a $21.1 million handle yielding just $752,304 in revenue at a 3.56% hold, the month’s lowest.

Retail Betting Takes a Hit

Retail sportsbooks at Massachusetts’ three casinos: Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Casino Park, and MGM Springfield, played a smaller role, posting a $9.7 million handle and $486,828 in revenue with a 5.2% hold, down 8.5% from March.

Encore led with a $5 million handle and $372,527 in revenue at a 7.52% hold. Plainridge managed $3.1 million in bets for $114,301 in revenue with a 3.65% hold. MGM Springfield, however, struck out, handling $1.6 million but reporting zero revenue.

April’s numbers got a big boost from the NBA and NHL playoffs, a welcome rebound from March’s NCAA Tournament slump, which saw the state’s second-lowest hold. The 9.55% hold, up over 2 points from March’s 7.3%, reflected bettors’ playoff fever.

Since September 2024, Massachusetts has consistently topped $600 million in monthly handle, cementing its spot as a top-tier betting market.