By 
Massachusetts has always been woven into the fabric of American sports history. From the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox to the New England Patriots, the state is home to some of the most iconic franchises in the country. That legacy has shaped generations of passionate fans and, more recently, a growing audience interested in Massachusetts sports betting.
Sports betting Massachusetts took time to become a reality, but once it arrived, the market quickly found its footing. With strong demographics, a deep-rooted sports culture, and a clear regulatory framework, sports gambling Massachusetts now plays a central role in the broader conversation around gambling in Massachusetts. As the industry continues to mature, 2026 is shaping up to be another important year for bettors across the state.
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Retail sports betting in Massachusetts launched on January 31, 2023, with online sportsbooks going live on March 10, 2023. Despite being home to DraftKings, one of the largest betting platforms in the country and a frequent local market leader headquartered in Boston, the state was slower than many of its Northeast neighbors to legalize sports wagering.
As of 2026, there are seven licensed online sportsbooks operating in the state: FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, Bally Bet, and DraftKings. That lineup offers strong competition without overwhelming bettors, keeping odds sharp and promotions competitive across the board.
Offshore sportsbooks available in Massachusetts
While sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, bettors should know that some wager types are still restricted at state-regulated sportsbooks. The legal market is well established, but licensed operators cannot offer betting on political events and apply limits to certain college wagers involving in-state teams, particularly player props. In addition, niche markets such as entertainment betting or less common international sports are typically unavailable through regulated Massachusetts sportsbooks.
Bettors looking for a wider range of options often turn to international sportsbooks. These platforms usually allow political wagering, offer full coverage of college sports without in-state restrictions, and feature specialty markets that are not permitted under Massachusetts regulations. As a result, offshore sportsbooks can provide a much broader and more flexible betting menu.
While offshore betting does carry added risk, the sites we recommend have long track records and have been vetted for security, reliability, and payout speed. Our team has firsthand experience using these platforms and only highlights operators with proven reputations, allowing bettors to safely access expanded markets and betting options heading into 2026.
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Legal online sportsbooks available in Massachusetts
Massachusetts made a significant move into the sports betting world by legalizing the activity in 2022, with the first bets officially placed in March 2023. The state allows both online and in-person wagering, giving bettors the flexibility to place bets through their mobile devices or visit licensed physical sportsbooks throughout the region. Massachusetts is rapidly developing a dynamic sports betting market, offering a wide variety of options across popular sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. With several major sportsbooks entering the scene, the state ensures a competitive environment for bettors. The regulatory framework in Massachusetts is designed to uphold security and fairness, guaranteeing a positive experience for all participants in the sports betting landscape.
| Sportsbook | Launched | Online betting available? |
| DraftKings | March. 2023 | Yes |
| FanDuel | March. 2023 | Yes |
| BetMGM | March. 2023 | Yes |
| Caesars | March. 2023 | Yes |
| Fanatics | May 2023 | Yes |
| ESPN Bet | 2023 | Yes |
| Bally Bet | August 2024 | Yes |
Massachusetts online sportsbook comparison
Everyone wants to know what the best Massachusetts sportsbook is, but the honest answer is always the same: it depends. Bettors value different features, and what works best for one person may not suit another. With that in mind, we typically group the top Massachusetts apps by the areas where they tend to stand out. Here’s how they usually stack up.
Best sportsbook for bonuses
BetMGM is often cited for its introductory offers, which tend to emphasize low-risk entry points for new bettors. While the exact structure and value of these offers change frequently, BetMGM generally positions itself as a sportsbook that prioritizes approachable sign-up incentives rather than overly complex promotions.
Best sportsbook for betting options
FanDuel typically earns high marks for the depth and flexibility of its betting menu. The platform is known for regularly enhancing standard wagers and providing alternative lines and markets, which can make it appealing to bettors who like to shop for slightly different prices or formats across common bet types.
Best sportsbook for live betting
When it comes to in-play wagering, DraftKings is frequently the go-to choice. Live odds usually update quickly, and in-play markets are available across most major sports and leagues. While no app can fully eliminate broadcast delays, DraftKings generally stays close enough to real-time action to keep live betting engaging.
Best sportsbook for rewards
BetMGM also stands out in the rewards category. Its loyalty program typically goes beyond app-based perks by connecting online betting activity with real-world benefits tied to its retail casino presence in the state. This hybrid approach can appeal to bettors who value rewards that extend outside the app itself.
Best sportsbook for user experience
DraftKings often leads discussions around overall usability. As a Boston-based company, it has deep local ties, and its app reflects years of refinement. Navigation is intuitive, markets are easy to find, and performance is consistently smooth. Its popularity in Massachusetts suggests that, for many users, the experience is reliably strong rather than flashy or gimmicky.
Massachusetts quick facts
| Fact | Masachusetts |
|---|---|
| Launch date: | 2023 |
| Legal age: | 21 Years Old |
| Online sports betting | ✅ Yes |
| Number of licenses | 7 |
| Remote registration | ✅ Yes |
| Retail sportsbooks | ✅ Yes |
| Retail casinos | ✅ Yes |
| Online casino sites | ❌No |
| Online poker | ❌No |
| Betting on college sports | ✅ Yes |
| Betting on esports | ✅ Yes |
| State population | 7 million |
| State regulator | The Virginia Lottery |
| Last verified | ✅ September 8 |
What you can't bet on in Massachusetts
There are a few things strictly disallowed in Massachusetts betting-wise. Here’s what you won’t be allowed to throw money on at in-state regulated sportsbooks:
Local college teams: In Massachusetts, you can’t bet on local college teams unless they’re playing in a tournament with three or more teams (betting them in March Madness, for example, would be allowed). Regular-season games for in-state colleges are not allowed, though you can still place bets on out-of-state teams without restrictions.
Online casino: While in-person casinos are perfectly legal, the state still prohibits online-based play. You’ll have to head to the local casinos if you want to play slots or table games.
Non-sports events: In this category are outcomes in politics, award shows, or even shows and movies (e.g. if a character gets killed off). These aren’t considered sports, thus it’s not regulated under sports betting, which makes it off-limits.
If you're looking for non-sports betting options in Massachusetts, your only real choice is offshore sportsbooks. Unlike regulated US platforms, these sites offer a wider range of betting markets that aren't available under Massachusetts law.
Who can legally bet in Massachusetts?
If it's mentioned below, you can legally bet on it in the state of Massachussets:
Legal age: Zero surprise here, you must be 21 years old to legally bet on sports in Massachusetts. This is the rule in every single state.
Mobile betting: Yes, Massachusetts allows for mobile betting. Unlike other states, you don't need to head to a physical sportsbook.
Retail sportsbooks: Even though online betting is more convenient, retail betting is still an option (and a fun one at that!). Watching your bet live with other bettors is a social experience worth doing now and then.
Remote registration: Signing up is a breeze, and you can do it from the comfort of your couch. No trips to a physical sportsbook are required. Just a few clicks, and you're ready to go!
Taxable winnings: Unfortunately, the IRS wants a piece of your winnings too. Under both Massachusetts and federal law, any gambling earnings must be reported as regular income. It's a drag, but when it comes to taxes, Uncle Sam always gets his cut (and so does "taxachusetts").
Massachusetts Casinos
Massachusetts is home to three casinos, each with their own sportsbook. What's cool is these casinos are actually located near Boston, not in the absolute middle of nowhere. Here are the three options for in-state bettors:
- Encore Boston Harbor: If you want luxury, this is the place to start. The resort is situated on the Mystic River, just outside of Boston. It's operated by Wynn Resorts and is known for its upscale environment, stunning views, and extensive amenities.
- MGM Springfield: We told you BetMGM had a property, didn't we? This casino allows guests to place bets on various sports events AND cash in those rewards we mentioned. There's also the usual assortment of casino options here too.
- Plainridge Park Casino: This is a smaller facility compared to Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield. It combines a harness-racing track with a slot parlor and is operated by PENN Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming, which rebranded in 2022).
Latest Massachusetts Betting News
Sep 19, 2025 03:53 AM
Robinhood Just Countered the Lawsuit Over Its Massachusetts Sports Betting Alternative
Latest Massachusetts Legal Betting Updates
Jan 26, 2026 11:46 AM
Massachusetts legalized full retail and online sports betting under a law signed in August 2022, and as of late 2025 the market is live statewide — online apps and casino sportsbooks handle wagers while regulators recently banned prediction-market-style “event contracts.”
Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline
A brief timeline of the legality of Massachusetts sports betting
What took the state so long to legalize betting anyway? Well, let's recap the obstacles BEFORE things finally got past the goal line.
2021: Another frustrated attempt
- A new sports betting bill was introduced in the Senate but stalled without amendments or a floor vote.
- As nearby states expanded legal wagering, Massachusetts continued to risk losing tax revenue to neighboring markets.
2022: A bill finally gets through
- After multiple House approvals in prior years, the Senate passed sports betting legislation in the final hours of the 2022 session.
- The bill was signed into law shortly after, officially legalizing sports betting statewide.
2023: Sports betting goes live
- Retail sportsbooks launched first, followed by regulated online sports betting across the state.
- Bettors gained legal access to both in-person wagering and mobile apps.
2024: Market stabilizes and expands
- Sportsbooks focused on improving app performance, adding same-game parlays, and expanding live betting options across major leagues.
- Regulators increased emphasis on responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and clearer player protection standards.
2025: A mature, competitive betting state
- Operator competition centered on pricing, odds boosts, and product differentiation rather than aggressive market entry tactics.
- Legislative and regulatory discussions shifted toward refining tax structures, advertising standards, and long-term consumer safeguards instead of major legal changes.
How to bet on sports In Massachusetts
As we said, the state, and Boston in particular, live and breathe sports. That means every sport you can think of will be bet-able in the state. Every single one! But still, these will be the most common sports to get action on stateside:
How to bet on football in Massachusetts
After two decades of dominance, the New England Patriots have come back to earth, and recent seasons have looked very different in Foxborough. The Patriots struggled to find consistency in 2025, finishing the year near the bottom of the league standings and well out of the playoff picture. Even so, football betting still rules in Massachusetts. Interest barely dips when the Patriots are rebuilding, and sportsbooks lean into that passion all season long, turning things up even more when the Super Bowl rolls around.
How to bet on basketball in Massachusetts
Basketball remains front and center in Massachusetts thanks to the continued relevance of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics followed up their recent success with another strong showing in 2025, finishing near the top of the Eastern Conference and reinforcing their status as a reliable contender. That kind of consistency keeps NBA betting interest high all season long. Beyond the pros, college hoops still play a huge role, with March Madness ranking as the second-biggest betting event of the year in the state, behind only the Super Bowl.
How to bet on baseball in Massachusetts
Boston loves its baseball, and the city’s identity is inseparable from the Boston Red Sox and the rhythms of a long MLB season. From the atmosphere at Fenway Park to the day-to-day grind of 162 games, baseball offers nonstop betting opportunities that few other sports can match. That volume is what makes it so appealing to bettors. If there’s one sport where knowledge, discipline, and consistency can really pay off over time, it’s baseball.
How to bet on fighting in Massachusetts
UFC, boxing, PFL, Bellator, and even Bareknuckle Fighting Championships are all popular betting options in Massachusetts. While not every single fight card is guaranteed, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves a wide range of combat sports events for wagering. Since most major cards take place on weekends, fight nights create a regular and exciting opportunity for bettors.
Betting on Massachusetts teams
Massachusetts bettors naturally gravitate toward their home teams. If you’re already locked into the game, putting a wager on it is part of the experience. From football to hockey, here’s how betting typically plays out across the state’s biggest franchises.
Betting on Massachusetts' NFL team
The New England Patriots are deep into a rebuild and navigating life well beyond their dynasty era, but that hasn’t cooled betting interest. With Drake Maye now viewed as the franchise centerpiece, every Patriots game still commands attention from bettors across the state. Rebuilding or not, sportsbooks know the Patriots move the needle, and they consistently feature expanded lines, props, and promos whenever New England takes the field.
Betting on Massachusetts' NBA team
The Boston Celtics sit at the top of Boston’s sports hierarchy, driven by sustained success and the presence of superstar Jayson Tatum. Their championship pedigree and elite consistency make them one of the most bet-on teams in the NBA. Night after night, Celtics games attract heavy action on spreads, totals, player props, and futures, especially when playoff positioning is on the line.
Betting on Massachusetts' MLB team
The Boston Red Sox remain the city’s most deeply ingrained franchise, anchored by slugger Rafael Devers and the daily rhythm of the baseball season. With games almost every day, baseball offers more betting volume than any other sport. Matchups at Fenway Park, especially against the Yankees, are automatic high-handle events and staples on sportsbook menus.
Betting on Massachusetts' NHL team
The Boston Bruins are a constant threat in the Eastern Conference and one of the most reliable hockey bets in the league. Led by elite scorer David Pastrnak, the Bruins draw strong action throughout the long NHL season. Sportsbooks respond with deep markets, including moneylines, totals, player props, game specials, and Stanley Cup futures, making Bruins betting widely accessible and consistently popular across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts betting revenue statistics
Sports betting in Massachusetts continued to build on its early success through 2025. After outperforming expectations in its first full year, the market delivered another strong year of growth as wagering became more entrenched statewide.
During fiscal year 2025, Massachusetts sportsbooks generated just over $8 billion in total handle, with online betting accounting for the clear majority of wagers. State tax revenue climbed to roughly $150 million for the year, reflecting higher betting volume and steady engagement across major sports.
With two full years in the books, the numbers show that sports betting is no longer a novelty in Massachusetts. Handle and tax revenue have both stabilized at high levels, signaling a mature and consistently active market rather than a short-term surge driven by launch hype.
Other types of betting in Massachusetts
Retail casino betting is fully available to Massachusetts bettors. The state’s three casinos are Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville. All three are within reasonable distance of Boston, making them far more accessible than the remote casino locations often seen in other states.
DFS betting is also allowed. Again, this makes sense given DraftKings presence in the state. Daily fantasy sports was DraftKings bread and butter before ever getting into sports betting.
The state has one active horse-racing venue, Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, which hosts live harness racing. On-site, parimutuel wagering is permitted, a practice that has been legal in Massachusetts since the Great Depression era.
Sports betting rules in each State
Want to place bets in states beyond Massachusetts? Here’s your comprehensive guide to get you started. Just choose a state, and you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of how to bet legally there:
Responsible gaming in massachusetts
Betting in Massachusetts should be an enjoyable experience, adding a new layer of joy to your favorite Boston sports. But let’s be real, sometimes things can take a wrong turn. What starts as fun can quickly become overwhelming, leading to stress or even financial strain.
The key is knowing where to draw the line. Betting should never feel like a constant pursuit to "win it back." If you’re finding yourself chasing losses, wagering beyond your means, or feeling uneasy about your habits, it’s important to recognize these as warning signs that things are going off the rails.
Taking a step back can be one of the smartest moves. Sometimes, all it takes is a breather to reset and regain control. But if walking away feels impossible, it might be time to explore deeper solutions. Massachusetts offers a variety of resources to help you stay in control when gambling becomes more than just a game. Here are local resources:
Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (https://macgh.org/)
A statewide non-profit offering support, education, and resources to help individuals with gambling problems. They also operate a 24/7 helpline for confidential assistance.
Gambling Helpline Massachusetts (https://helplinema.org/)
A confidential helpline available 24/7 to provide support and connect callers with local resources for problem gambling, including counseling and recovery services. Call or text 1-800-327-5050.
Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-problem-gambling-services)
This office provides research and data on the situation of problem gambling in the state, as well as offering resources to anyone struggling.
National resources to use:
Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
