Massachusetts Sports Betting in 2024: Top 5 Legal MA Sportsbooks

Top 5 Massachusetts sports betting sites

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission initially approved 10 mobile sports betting operators, but only seven are active now that Betr and WynnBET shuttered Massachusetts operations in early 2024.

Here are our top five Massachusetts sports betting sites:

1. BetMGM MA

Bet $10, Get $200

COVERS200

Claim $200

The "King of Sportsbooks" is looking to take the throne now that it’s launched in Massachusetts. With great odds and an improved online sports betting app, BetMGM MA caters to customers with a variety of supported deposit and withdrawal methods. 

Get the full details on BetMGM Massachusetts in our BetMGM Sportsbook review.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $10, Get $200
• Payout speed: 2 days

2. FanDuel MA

Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins. You will also receive three months of NBA League Pass.

Claim $150

FanDuel boasts an equally impressive online sports betting app and is another no-brainer download for Massachusetts bettors. Our top football betting app offers region-specific bonuses and promos without the need for a FanDuel Massachusetts promo code, live streaming, and same-game parlays will keep you in the game going forward. 

Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook review for more information.

• App Store rating: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

3. Caesars Sportsbook MA

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUS1000

Claim $1,000

Caesars Sportsbook's large welcome bonus — which requires the active Caesars promo code 'COVERSBONUS1000' — best-in-class customer support, and revered Caesars Rewards program is an excellent addition to a competitive Massachusetts online sports betting market. Local bettors will enjoy the sportsbook's clean and snappy user interface.

Dive into our Caesars Sportsbook review for more on the Caesars betting platform.

• App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

4. DraftKings MA

Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus

21+ and present in MA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050

Ends: Nov. 17, 2024

Available in Massachusetts

Claim $200

DraftKings sits atop our list of the best Massachusetts sports betting apps. MA gamblers can benefit from the sportsbook's streamlined interface, huge selection of betting markets, exciting daily promos — you don’t need a DraftKings promo code, either — and quick payouts. DraftKings' legal online sports betting app is a must for Bay State bettors.

Read our DraftKings Sportsbook review to learn more.

• App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

5. Fanatics Sportsbook MA

$1,000 in No Sweat Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place a min. $1 daily first bet and, if the wager loses, get up to a $100 no sweat bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours.

Ends: Dec. 31, 2024

Claim $1,000

Fanatics Sportsbook, an emerging online operator, arrived in Massachusetts on May 25, 2023. The online sportsbook is a must for all football bettors, as Fanatics Sports offers the industry-best NFL live streaming experience thanks to its partnership with Genius Sports.

Read our Fanatics Sportsbook Review for more details.

• App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.8 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

21+ and present in MA. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMa.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. Play it smart from the start! GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234.

Best Massachusetts sports betting offers and bonuses

If you’re looking to start claiming the top legal online Massachusetts sports betting bonuses and promos but don’t know where to begin, this is a great place to start. These are the best Massachusetts bonuses and promotions available in 2024:

BetMGM Sportsbook - Bet $10, Get $200: Create a new BetMGM MA account to receive $200 in bonus bets. Simply deposit $10 and wager and four $50 bonus bets automatically. Use the BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS200' to redeem this offer which expires on Dec. 31, 2024.

FanDuel Sportsbook - Bet $5, Get $150 if You Win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass: Sign up with FanDuel Massachusetts to get $150 in bonus bets if your wager wins. Register an account, deposit at least $5, and place a winning $5 wager on any market. You will also get a three month free trial to NBA League Pass whether your wagers wins or loses. No FanDuel promo code is required, but the offer expires on Dec. 22, 2024.

Caesars Sportsbook - $1,000 First Bet on Caesars: Open a new Caesars Sportsbook MA account, and you'll be in line to receive up to a $1,000 bonus bet. If your initial real money wager settles as a loss, you will get the entirety of the stake back, up to $1,000. Use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code COVERSBONUS1000 to qualify.

DraftKings Sportsbook - Bet $5, Get $200 + $1K Deposit Bonus: With DraftKings Massachusetts, new users get $200 bonus bets (eight $25 bonus bets) from an initial $5 wager. No DraftKings promo code is needed to claim this offer, which is valid through Nov. 17, 2024. 

Fanatics Sportsbook - $1,000 in No Sweat Bets: No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required. Register today with Fanatics Sportsbook and earn one (1) bonus bet per day equal to your daily wager, up to $100, if it settles as a loss. This promo applies to your first 10 days using the platform. Your qualifying wager must be at least $1 and have odds of at least -500 or longer. This offer is valid until Dec. 31, 2024.  

21+ and present in MA. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMa.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. Play it smart from the start! GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234.

Massachusetts sports betting updates

Let's take a closer look at key dates in Massachusetts sports betting history:

Oct. 21, 2024: A lawsuit was filed last week against three Daily Fantasy Sports operators, alleging that the companies offer and accept illegal sports bets, generating over $10M per month from prop and pick 'em bets. 

Oct. 16, 2024: Massachusetts sports betting handle increased over 32% year-over-year in September. Over $678 million in wagers were taken, resulting in over $73 million in revenue.

Oct. 3, 2024: Massachusetts hits Bovada with a cease-and-desist letter, marking the 12th U.S. state to restrict access to the offshore betting site. 

Sept. 16, 2024: Massachusetts' handle tops $4.4 billion in August after a 42% year-over-year increase.  

Sept. 12, 2024: Massachusetts regulators are investigating DraftKings for a golf betting email the sportsbook sent out in August. 

Sept. 11, 2024: The Massachusetts limiting sports bettors debate grows, as state regulators meet with local operators, advocates, and gambling experts to discuss the possibility of limiting a small percentage of bettors. . 

Sept. 10, 2024: Covers' Geoff Zochodne outlines why Massachusetts is investigating into sports betting limiting. 

Sep. 2, 2024: MGC members discuss amending Title 205, which would require multi-factor authentication when using online sportsbooks.

Aug. 16, 2024: Massachusetts sports betting operators produce a 10% hold in July following a recorded handle of $411.8 million for the month.

Aug. 15, 2024: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission wants to have a frank discussion about sports betting limiting with local bookmakers this fall. 

Aug. 1, 2024: Operators tell Massachusetts regulators that a "very low percentage" of bettors will be impacted by the proposed betting limit rule. 

July 31, 2024: A Massachusetts online lottery is set to launch in December 2025 after confirming the 2025 fiscal budget earlier this week.

July 29, 2024: Massachusetts sports betting regulators praise the impact of legal wagering, stating it has produced thousands of jobs and hundreds of million in tax revenue. 

July 18, 2024: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission distributes $18 million in grants to Massachusetts communities.

July 15, 2024: The Boston Celtics NBA Title win drives a major rise in Massachusetts betting action in June, generating a $509.4 million handle, which is a 65.1% year-over-year increase. 

July 2, 2024: Bally Bet launches in Massachusetts, marking the seventh online sportsbook now active in the state.

June 27, 2024: Bally Bet is gearing up for a potential July launch in Massachusetts, should it receive its compliance license. 

June 12, 2024: Massachusetts regulators will consider sending a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada for operating illegal sports betting within the state. 

June 3, 2024: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will keep sports betting limiting on the front burner during this month's upcoming regulatory meeting. 

May 23, 2024: Massachusetts avoids another sports betting tax hike after local Senate shoots down a recent proposal to revise the state's financial arrangement with legal sportsbooks.  

May 21, 2024: Massachusetts sportsbooks duck betting limits forum during the latest Massachusetts Gaming Commission roundtable, citing business reasons for their absence. 

April 1, 2024: Massachusetts Lottery pushes for online sales option to compete with its sports betting competitors. 

March 28, 2024: Massachusetts is limiting sports betting customers and local operators may be forced to explain why it happens to some bettors but not others.   

March 15, 2024: Massachusetts' sports betting catalog will introduce new betting options, including expanded markets for NFL, NHL, and MLB. 

March 15, 2024: Top Massachusetts sports betting regulator is upset with Bally's delayed sports betting launch, which is still unclear at this time. 

March 4, 2024: PrizePicks will switch to peer-to-peer Arena games on March 8 after reaching a deal with Massachusetts regulators to alter daily fantasy sports (DFS) offerings.

Feb. 23, 2024: Two days after Betr leaves the state, WynnBET online sportsbook calls it quits in Massachusetts. The move will have no effect on WynnBET's retail sportsbook at Encore Boston Harbor.

Feb. 21, 2024: Betr officially exits the Massachusetts sports betting market.

Feb. 16, 2024: Massachusetts' online sportsbooks record second-largest sports betting handle ever in January, bringing in $638 million in wagers. 

Feb. 9, 2024: Betr and WynnBet set dates to exit Massachusetts sports betting market, as both sportsbooks will cease operations on Feb. 23, 2024.

Feb. 8, 2024: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission confirms that legal operators are not permitted to offer odds for the outcome of the opening coin toss on Super Bowl 58 and other additional novelty prop bets for the Big Game. 

Feb. 1, 2024: BetMGM will face an adjudicatory hearing for allowing 15,000 illegal wagers on a college football player prop, which is forbidden in Massachusetts.

Feb. 1, 2024: WynnBet and Betr to cease operations in Massachusetts shortly. A timeline for the sportsbooks departures is currently being established with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. 

Jan. 30, 2024: FanDuel partners with Operation HOPE to offer a free financial literacy program in MA. 

Jan. 18, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook faces an adjudicatory hearing in Massachusetts for collegiate wager violation occurring in December.

Jan. 17, 2024: Massachusetts' sports betting revenue jumps 20% in December, accepting $658.6 million in wagers during the month. 

Jan. 4, 2024: Despite receiving a temporary sports betting license, Betway informs the MGC that it will not launch in the state. 

Nov. 30, 2023: The MGC votes to let DraftKings void winning parlays after a third-party vendor — Sportcast — displayed incorrect odds. 

Nov. 27, 2023: The MGC expresses concern over the possibility of underage sports betting from residents using their parents' or older friends' accounts. 

Nov. 16, 2023: Massachusetts reports a record month for wagering with $571.7 million in handle for online sportsbooks and retail locations. 

Nov. 2, 2023: Massachusetts is set to welcome ESPN BET to its legal online sports betting landscape on Nov. 14, 2023. 

Oct. 19, 2023: The MGC requests additional info about ESPN BET and its increased media opportunities. 

Aug. 24, 2023: Sports betting on the Professional Pickleball Association receives approval from the MGC after a request from FanDuel. 

Aug. 15, 2023: The MGC confirms $294.9 million in total sports betting handle for July of 2023. 

Aug. 1, 2023: The MGC delays the hearing for Raynham's Park's category 2 sports betting license until August 18.

July 25, 2023: Retail casinos — Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino — receive fines for offering bets on state colleges not participating in a tournament. 

July 24, 2023: The MGC is considering a possible sanction against DraftKings for taking wagers on unauthorized tennis events. 

July 17, 2023: Total sports betting handle in June fell to $332 million, per the latest MGC revenue report.

July 11, 2023: The MGC rejects LIV Golf events as approved wagering markets. MA residents can still wager on LIV events via daily fantasy sports.  

July 10, 2023: The MGC appoints Todd Grossman — General Counsel to the MGC — Interim Executive Director, replacing Karen Wells. 

July 6, 2023: Massachusetts regulators vote to add age language to stadium sportsbook signs, distinguishing the sportsbook is for individuals 21 and up. 

June 7, 2023: The MGC investigates Barstool Sportsbook and its "Big Cat's Can't Lose Parlay" to determine if the promo violated Massachusetts sports betting marketing regulations. 

May 25, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook goes live with its beta test in Massachusetts, making it the eighth online betting site in the state.

May 23, 2023: The MGC announces that online sportsbook operators will not be allowed to deduct the value of bonus bets and other promotions from their taxable revenue.

May 16, 2023: The MGC awards Fanatics an operations certificate. Fanatics Sportsbook plans to launch in the Bay State in late May.

May 8, 2023: Betr Sportsbook goes live in Massachusetts, making it the seventh online sports betting operator in the state.

April 25, 2023: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves Fanatics Sportsbook's house rules and awards Betr an operations certificate. 

April 18, 2023: The inaugural Massachusetts sportsbook handle for March was larger than more ripe markets.

April 13, 2023: MGC considers a $7.5 million spending requirement for retail sportsbooks at racetracks and simulcast facilities in Massachusetts.

April 6, 2023: MGC rejects DraftKings' request to take action on this year's Boston Marathon.

March 29, 2023: DraftKings launches its DK Horse app within the legal Massachusetts sports betting environment ahead of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby.

March 27, 2023: Massachusetts sports betting regulators tweak advertising regulations, approving cost-per-acquisition (CPA) agreements between sports betting operators and affiliates.

March 15, 2023: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission releases February 2023 sports wagering figures. Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino combine to take in over $25.7 million in legal sports bets.

March 14, 2023: Per GeoComply, the online Massachusetts sports betting launch resulted in 8.1 million geolocation transactions between March 10-12.

March 10, 2023: Legal online Massachusetts sports betting arrives at 10 a.m. ET. Six sportsbooks launch — Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBET.

March 9, 2023: Legal mobile sports betting is set to start in Massachusetts on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. ET. The MGC awards operations certificates to six sportsbooks — Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBET. 

March 8, 2023: During a meeting to finalize mobile sports betting rules, MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein reveals that Betr will not go live on March 10, 2023, meaning that six operators now expect to be ready for the launch of legal online wagering in the state. 

March 7, 2023: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission plans on expanding its responsible gaming efforts ahead of online sports betting's state-wide launch.

Additionally, BetMGM partners with the Boston Red Sox, giving the sportsbook a massive presence at Fenway Park.

March 6, 2023: FanDuel Group lands MA sports betting partnership with NESN—home of the Bruins and Red Sox broadcasts. Details of the multi-year partnership include commercials, in-game sponsorship integrations, and pre-game features. 

March 2, 2023: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) votes to provide a waiver — until April 14, 2023 — for its prohibition on cost-per-acquisition (CPA) and revenue-sharing contracts between sports betting operators and third-party marketing affiliates.

March 1, 2023: Massachusetts Gaming Commission Executive Director Karen Wells notes that the Bay State is still on track to launch legal online sports betting on March 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. ET. Seven online sportsbooks could be available on the go-live date.

Feb. 28, 2023: The MCG awards Betway a temporary digital Massachusetts sports wagering license following confusion around Digital Gaming Corp's application in January. Betway plans to launch in early 2024.

Feb. 27, 2023: The sports betting industry seeks tweaks to Massachusetts' proposed marketing rules, as the current regulations deny operators from entering into agreements with affiliates to advertise on their behalf. Operators warn this could cause issues since affiliates drive significant business to legal sportsbooks.

Feb. 23, 2023: MGC Executive Director Karen Wells states that PointsBet is withdrawing its bid for an online sports betting license in Massachusetts. Additionally, Betway will not go live in 2023 due to a change in ownership, while Bally Bet and Fanatics are aiming for a May launch.

Feb. 21, 2023: Caesars announces that it expects to undergo a full launch of its online sportsbook on March 10, 2023, in tandem with the arrival of state-wide legal online sports betting in Massachusetts.

Feb. 17, 2023: A Fanatics spokesperson confirms that the company's sports betting platform will not be ready to launch on the state's tentative March 10, 2023, go-live date for legal online sports wagering.

Feb. 14, 2023: The MGC states that wagering on college athletic awards, including the Heisman, is off the table for MA sports betting sites, at least for now.

Feb. 9, 2023: Massachusetts Gaming Commission Executive Director Karen Wells announces she is proposing a tentative start date of March 10, 2023, for online sports betting in the state — just in time for March Madness.

Feb. 12, 2023: With legal retail sports betting available, Bay Staters can wager on the Super Bowl for the first time. It is expected that revenue results from the event will be announced in March.

Feb. 9, 2023: Massachusetts Gaming Commission Executive Director Karen Wells announces she is proposing a tentative start date of March 10, 2023, for online sports betting in the state — just in time for March Madness.

Feb. 8, 2023: Massachusetts online sports betting remains on track for an early March 2023 launch.

Feb. 2, 2023: MGC Executive Director Karen Wells says Massachusetts' retail betting launch was successful, and attention has now turned to the state's upcoming online sports wagering launch in March.

Feb. 1, 2023: Genius Sports is awarded a temporary sports betting vendor license in MA. The company will provide its sports wagering product to legal Massachusetts sportsbook operators.

Jan. 31, 2023: Legal retail sports betting officially launches in Massachusetts, with the state’s three casinos — Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino — now actively taking bets. 

Jan. 25, 2023: bet365 withdraws its bid for a Mass. sports betting license.

Jan. 24, 2023: In an email to Covers, a Raynham Park spokesperson says bet365 is no longer its mobile partner. Raynham Park will partner with another online operator in MA.

Jan. 23, 2023: Raynham Park partners with Caesars Entertainment for retail MA sports betting. Pending regulatory approval, Caesars Sportsbook will open a 30,000-square-foot retail location.

Jan. 20, 2023: Massachusetts sports betting will go live at 10:00 a.m. ET on Jan. 31, 2023. MA's first retail sportsbooks will launch at this time.

Jan. 19, 2023: The MGC approves six operators for temporary untethered Category 3 online sports betting licenses: Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet.

Jan. 17, 2023: The MGC advances PointsBet's MA sports betting application, signaling its likelihood to secure an untethered license. 

Jan. 13, 2023: Expectations have been met for Betway to receive a mobile sports betting license in Massachusetts. However, the MGC still requires additional information about the company's owner — Super Group Ltd. — after a recent acquisition of Digital Gaming Corp. and subsequent restructuring.

Jan. 12, 2023: The MGC approves Fanatics' online MA sports betting application. Fanatics Sportsbook will partner with Plainridge Park to offer online wagering in Massachusetts.

Jan. 11, 2023: DraftKings meets the MGC's criteria for an online sports betting license in Massachusetts.

Jan. 10, 2023: Jake Paul's Betr Sportsbook clears a significant hurdle in its efforts to secure a Massachusetts license. The microbetting-focused platform joins Bally Bet and FanDuel as operators that have met the expectations for standalone mobile licenses. 

Jan. 9, 2023: FanDuel satisfies MGC's eligibility criteria and will likely receive an untethered Massachusetts sports betting license.

Jan. 6, 2023: The MGC begins reviewing untethered mobile MA sports betting license applications. Bally Bet is likely to receive an untethered license.

Jan. 5, 2023: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission adjourns Fanatics' sports betting license application hearing without a vote.

Jan. 4, 2023: Barstool Sportsbook is unanimously approved for an online tethered sports betting license in Massachusetts.

Jan. 3, 2023: The MGC ends its hearing on Barstool Sportsbook's tethered MA sports betting license application without a vote.

Dec. 22, 2022: The MGC meets to confirm that the launch of retail sports betting in Massachusetts will start on Jan. 31, 2023.

Dec. 20, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) approves Caesars Sportsbook's application for a mobile wagering license, making it the third operator to receive a go-ahead nod for its online MA sports betting product. Regulators also give approval to PENN's Plainridge Park Casino, but opt to hold off on a review of Barstool Sportsbook's digital platform until January. 

Dec. 19, 2022: Digital and retail sports betting applications are approved for BetMGM and MGM Springfield. MGM joins Encore Boston Harbor as a licensed retail sportsbook that could launch in January or February 2023, while BetMGM joins WynnBET on the digital front, aiming for an early March 2023 go-live date.

Dec. 16, 2022: Rep. David Muradian tells Covers that it will take time to ascertain whether the current Massachusetts sports betting model requires tweaks.

Dec. 15, 2022: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is named the next president of the NCAA. Baker will take over in March 2023, presumably before the arrival of legal online MA sports betting.

Dec. 14, 2022: The MGC wraps up a seven-hour session without voting on Caesars Sportsbook's Massachusetts online sports betting application.

Dec. 13, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approves WynnBET's application for a "Category 3" MA sports betting license. WynnBET's online sportsbook will be tethered to Encore Boston Harbor.

Dec. 8, 2022: The first Massachusetts sports betting license is awarded to Encore Boston Harbor. The casino's "Category 1" retail sports betting license will allow it to feature a WynnBET sportsbook for in-person betting and partner with two mobile operators for online wagering (WynnBET and Caesars Sportsbook). 

Dec. 7, 2022: Massachusetts regulators defer a decision on the MGM Springfield casino's legal sports betting license application.

Dec. 6, 2022: Massachusetts Gaming Commissioners defer a vote on Plainridge Park's sports betting license application to next week after voicing concerns over responsible gambling, advertising, and the casino's partnership with Barstool Sports.

Dec. 5, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission plans to meet on Dec. 6, Dec. 7, and Dec. 8 to examine MA sports betting license applications from Plainridge Park, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor.

Nov. 29, 2022: The MGC approves MGM Springfield's late application for retail sports betting in Massachusetts by a vote of 5-0. MGM Springfield had filed its online sports betting paperwork for BetMGM and $400,000 in fees ($200,000 for each application) by the Nov. 21 deadline, but its retail application made its way to the MGC on Nov. 23.  

Nov. 25, 2022: The Boston Bruins improve to 18-3 after edging the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 3-2.

Nov. 21, 2022: The MGC announces that 15 Massachusetts sports betting operator applications were filed (12 online and three retail) before the 2 p.m. deadline.

Nov. 18, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook gains Massachusetts online sports betting access by reaching an agreement with Wynn Resorts. Wynn's Encore Boston Harbor will allocate its second of two online skins to Caesars.

Nov. 14, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a virtual roundtable with representatives from the American Gaming Association, MLB, NESN, and others to discuss Massachusetts sports betting advertising regulations.

Nov. 10, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission sets a Nov. 21, 2022, deadline for all MA sports betting license applications.

Nov. 9, 2022: The rollout of legal sports betting at Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs, two MA simulcasting facilities, will be up for discussion on Thursday, Nov. 10, according to a meeting agenda from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Oct. 27, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission dismisses a request from DraftKings to host a universal launch date for sports betting. DraftKings claims a staggered launch will cause confusion, among other issues.

Oct. 20, 2022: Competition for Massachusetts sports betting licenses continues, with more than 20 operators eyeing online sports betting skins.

Oct. 13, 2022: The Massachusetts sports betting survey — extended to businesses that intend to apply for retail and online sports betting licenses — is due on Monday, Oct. 17.

Oct. 8, 2022: In what amounts to a significant disappointment for sports bettors and sportsbooks, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved a timeline to push back the launch of online MA sports betting until March 2023.

Oct. 6, 2022: Massachusetts sports betting regulators consider an "aggressive" and rough timeline that would see retail sportsbooks launch in January 2023 and MA betting sites go live in late February 2023.

Oct. 5, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will meet tomorrow to discuss potential MA sports betting launch dates. Retail sportsbooks could open their doors before online betting sites go live in MA.

Sept. 22, 2022: The majority of a group of 20+ operators tell the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) that they prefer a universal start date for the launch of legal sports betting.

Sept. 16, 2022: Provisions in MA's sports betting legislation add an additional wrinkle to a potential go-live date. With no cap on the number of temporary permits, and only 15 permanent licenses available, several online sportsbooks could be required to close up shop after just one year in Massachusetts.

Sept. 13, 2022: As responsible gaming advocates push concerns such as the marketing of betting to young people, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a virtual roundtable discussion with industry experts to thoroughly look into responsible gambling measures. 

Sept. 9, 2022: The Massachusetts sports betting rollout remains unclear. According to Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner Brad Hall, the state's first retail and online sportsbooks won't open in the coming weeks, with the formal launch likely in 2023 at the earliest.

Sept. 6, 2022: FanDuel and Caesars file notices of intent, meaning 42 applicants are vying for the 15 initial Massachusetts sports betting licenses up for grabs.

Aug. 11, 2022: Massachusetts regulators expect over 40 sports wagering operators to apply for online sportsbook licenses in the state. There are 15 total licenses available, three of which are already sure to go to Barstool, BetMGM, and WynnBET.

Aug. 10, 2022: Gov. Charlie Baker signs H.5164 into law. Online and retail sports betting are officially coming to Massachusetts.

Aug. 9, 2022: Wynn reaffirms its plans to push its WynnBET online sportsbook live as soon as legal Massachusetts sports betting launches. 

Aug. 8, 2022: All eyes are on Gov. Charlie Baker. Baker is expected to sign Massachusetts sports betting into law by Thursday's deadline.

Aug. 4, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission estimates the state will launch legal online MA sports betting in three to six months.

Aug. 1, 2022: At approximately 5 a.m. ET, the Sports Betting Conference Committee announces an agreement has been reached to bring legal sports betting to Massachusetts. 

July 21, 2022: House Speaker Ron Mariano says House and Senate negotiators are "far apart" with just 10 days to go. College sports betting appears to be a deal breaker, with the House insisting on its inclusion in any Massachusetts sports betting legislation. 

July 17, 2022: Senate President Karen Spilka states that she's 'hopeful' a compromise on sports betting legislation will come prior to the July 31 deadline. Spilka also vows that her chamber would take a roll call vote on the active bill.

June 22, 2022: With the July 31 deadline just over five weeks away, negotiations are ongoing in Massachusetts. College sports betting, tax rates on revenue, and the number of MA sports wagering operator licenses issued remain sticking points.

June 9, 2022: A House-Senate conference committee meets for the first time to begin negotiations on legal sports betting in Massachusetts.

June 3, 2022: With the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Gov. Charlie Baker laments that sports betting revenue is seeping over state lines. He uses the example to once again publicly push for the legalization of the practice in the state.

May 10, 2022: WynnBET sees Massachusetts sports betting as a ‘significant catalyst’ for growth. The casino and hotel operator reports the adjusted loss for Wynn’s interactive division, which houses WynnBET.

April 28, 2022: The House and Senate must reconcile their differences on revised Massachusetts sports betting legislation before Governor Charlie Baker, a proponent of legalizing sports betting, can sign the bill into law.

April 25, 2022: The Massachusetts Senate is on track to debate new legal MA sports betting legislation on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Feb. 18, 2022: Boston-based DraftKings identifies Massachusetts as a possible landing spot for its mobile sportsbook during its Q4 earnings call.

Jan. 24, 2022: Gov. Charlie Baker reiterates his willingness to sign off on a bill to legalize sports betting should the House and Senate pass a measure before the legislative session comes to a close.

Nov. 18, 2021: DraftKings and the Boston Bruins announce a multi-faceted partnership whereby the Boston-based sports betting operator will become the club's official daily fantasy sports partner and eventual sports betting partner should Massachusetts legalize it.

October 2021: Sen. Eric Lesser relays that the Senate has not yet come to a consensus on the topic of sports betting, despite declaring three months prior that his chamber was prepared to approve legislation that would legalize the practice. His version of the bill (S 269) remains under active consideration by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

July 2021: The Massachusetts House approves a bill (HB 3993) via an overwhelming 156-3 vote that would legalize sports betting in Massachusetts.

April 2021: The state’s House Ways and Means Committee excludes sports betting revenues from its forthcoming budget draft, adding yet another roadblock to the practice’s legalization.

February 2021: Heading into the 2021 legislative session, Governor Charlie Baker files and introduces a bill (for the third time) that would legalize sports betting in the state of Massachusetts.

January 2021: Legislators introduce five major sports betting bills, three by the House and two by the Senate.

November 2020: Lawmakers do not include a legalization provision in their 2021 budget, effectively ending any hopes for the arrival of sports betting in Massachusetts in 2020.

July 2020: The state Senate opts not to include Massachusetts sports betting as part of its economic development plan, as it feels attaching the two bills isn’t the proper way to introduce the practice.

May 2018: The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling each U.S. state to formally legalize and regulate sports betting.

Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Massachusetts. House Bill 5164 was signed into law on August 10, 2022, by former Governor Charlie Baker, just 10 days after the Sports Betting Conference Committee agreed to introduce legal wagering in the Bay State.

The official launch of legal retail sports betting took place on Jan. 31, 2023, with three Massachusetts casinos accepting wagers. Furthermore, Massachusetts inaugurated online sports betting on March 10, 2023, approximately seven months after legalization occurred.

Quick facts: Massachusetts sports betting

Legal Massachusetts sports betting has brought a wave of excitement to the Bay State area. Keep an eye on the table below for MA sports betting facts.

Legal Massachusetts sportsbooks

MA bettors can currently select from seven different sportsbooks and online Massachusetts sports betting apps. A total of 15 licenses were made obtainable in the Bay State, including seven standalone mobile licenses.

Bally Bet officially launched in MA on July 2, 2024, after receiving its sports betting license in January 2023. Betr officially left the MA online sports betting market on Feb. 21, 2024, and WynnBET followed the Jake Paul-backed sportsbook out the door on Feb. 23, 2024.

Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino all have retail licenses and now offer in-person sports betting with legal MA sportsbooks. These three casinos have been granted two online skins each. These skins have all been spoken for, as MGM does not plan to partner with a second online sports wagering operator.

Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs will also serve as retail sportsbook locations and be permitted to partner with one retail and online operator. Raynham Park has already partnered with Caesars for retail betting.

Massachusetts sports betting sites

Land-based Massachusetts sportsbooks

Latest Massachusetts sports betting news

Who can partake in Massachusetts sports betting?

Legal sports wagering is now accessible online and in retail locales in the Bay State. Individuals 21 years of age or older are permitted to participate in MA sports betting.

Pros and cons of Massachusetts sports betting

The Massachusetts sports betting market is one of the most competitive in the country, offering access to several big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars.

With the inclusion of college sports betting, residents can bet on hometown favorites, like Boston College, during major events. However, year-round wagers on MA college sports teams are not permitted.

Legal online and retail wagering is available

7 active online sportsbooks 

At least 1 more sportsbook coming soon

No wagering on the Olympics or esports

In-state college betting only for major events

How to start betting in Massachusetts

Here's how you can get started on a mobile device to participate in legal online sports betting in Massachusetts:

What you can't bet on in Massachusetts

Bay Staters can access locally regulated sportsbooks online and via the state's three casinos, and wager on professional and college (with some exceptions) sports is in play.

However, some events are out of bounds in MA. On Jan. 24, 2023, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved a list of allowable wagers and leagues. Among those not making the cut were esports, cornhole, chess, Jai alai, the Winter and Summer Olympics, and sporting events overseen by Belarusian or Russian governing bodies.

NFL Draft

You can legally bet on the 2024 NFL Draft in Massachusetts, but bookmakers must follow specific rules for the event, such as pre-draft future bets must be placed before the event starts.

Awards ceremonies

Wagers on popular celebrity awards shows, such as the Academy Awards, are accepted in MA.

Politics

Betting on political outcomes, like presidential elections, is not permitted at the state or federal level. Political betting sites do not operate legally in Massachusetts. 

esports

Despite connections to esports embedded in some of the state's major sports franchises — such as Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs’ company, Delaware North, a partner of Splyce — regulators opted against allowing wagering on all virtual and esports events. 

Massachusetts college sports betting

College sports were a point of major contention between the House and Senate when it came to the legalization of wagering on sports. The good news is that MA bettors can now wager on college sports online and at retail venues. The not-so-great news? Bets on in-state collegiate teams, like Boston College, are only permitted during major events, such as March Madness.

Massachusetts sports betting: Teams and odds

Eliminate any hometown bias by conducting relevant research on prospective bets. This is a great way to manage your bankroll and will help you to avoid blindly backing any team or player. Although no fights are scheduled to come to the Bay State anytime soon, the best UFC betting sites and top boxing betting sites allow you to easily browse the markets and back fighters you can cheer on as passionately as your hometown teams.

Review our how to bet guides for actionable intel aimed at new and intermediate bettors before confirming your picks with legal Massachusetts sportsbooks.

NHL

Boston Bruins

Live Bruins odds

NBA

Boston Celtics

Live Celtics odds

NFL

New England Patriots

Live Patriots odds

MLB

Boston Red Sox

Live Red Sox odds

Massachusetts sports betting law

Legal Massachusetts sports betting was inevitable the moment outgoing Governor Charlie Baker signed H.5164 — otherwise known as the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act — into law on Aug. 10, 2022. Here are the sports betting law's key takeaways:

• Up to 15 online sports betting licenses are available, including seven standalone licenses
• Casinos and racetracks are awarded sports betting licenses
• Depositing funds into sportsbook accounts via credit card is prohibited
• Online sportsbooks pay a 20% tax on revenue, while retail sportsbooks are taxed at a 15% rate
• Betting on in-state college teams is not allowed unless it is during a big event (such as March Madness)
• The legal age to gamble on sports is 21
• Wagering on esports, the Olympics, cornhole, chess, jai alai, and sporting events overseen by Belarusian or Russian governing bodies is prohibited

Prior to the introduction of the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act, bills aiming to legalize sports betting had difficulty gaining any traction in the state legislature. Despite the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, apprehension over college sports and problem gambling prevented numerous attempts at legitimizing the practice.

Although the law does not stipulate a specific go-live date for either retail or online sports betting, the former launched on Jan. 31, 2023, while the latter went live on March 10, 2023.

Massachusetts sports betting handle

Massachusetts sports betting was only live for one day in January 2023, but MA bettors made their presence felt at the state's three retail casinos. Between Encore Boston Harbor ($371K), MGM Springfield ($35K), and Plainridge Park ($83K), roughly $488K was wagered on sports.

In the state's first full month of legal sports betting, sportsbooks took in $24.4 million in total bets. Even more impressively, online sportsbooks accounted for more than $548 million of MA's $568 million March betting handle. Sports betting handle fell slightly in April to $559 million and to $554 million in May. A further 27% drop occurred in June, with a $332 million handle, and continued in July, down to $294.9 million. 

Return here for Massachusetts sports betting handle and revenue figures in 2023.

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Other types of gambling

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates commercial operations in the state. In addition to sports betting, there are a few other forms of legal gambling in Massachusetts, including charitable gaming and the Massachusetts Lottery.

Responsible gaming in Massachusetts

To this point, there has been limited access to gambling within Massachusetts. With legal online and retail sports wagering now live, there are many Bay Staters who may succumb to gambling addiction. The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health provides educational opportunities and support to raise awareness of problem gambling.

Individuals wishing to ban themselves from Massachusetts sports betting can join a voluntary self-exclusion list online, via phone, or at a casino.

Visit the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

With legal Massachusetts sports betting now available, the state joins the ranks of these already legalized U.S. jurisdictions:

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

NC online sportsbooks launched when legal North Carolina sports betting became a reality on March 11, 2024. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365, and others are currently available for registration, so be sure to take advantage of their current offers.

Vermont sports betting arrived on Jan. 11, 2024, with three online sportsbooks — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — taking wagers.

Legal Maine sports betting went live on Nov. 3, 2023, with the arrival of online wagering via DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook.

Kentucky's legal sports betting officially launched on Sept. 7, with retail operations going live across the state. Kentucky gained access to online sportsbooks on Sept. 28, 2023. 

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

There are several states moving toward legal sports betting that could potentially join Massachusetts in the near future:

Current state of Massachusetts sports betting

Legal Massachusetts sports betting went live on Jan. 31, 2023, when three retail locales — Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor — welcomed MA sports bettors for the first time. Six online operators — Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel — followed suit on March 10, 2023, effectively opening the floodgates for state-wide mobile wagering.

With Selection Sunday taking place on March 17, 2024, the timing couldn't be better for Massachusetts players eager to capitalize on the iconic NCAAB tournament via the best March Madness betting sites. 

Fanatics Sportsbook launched in the state in 2023, while Bally Bet entered the MA market in July 2024. In total, 10 of the 15 digital sports betting licenses available in the Bay State have been claimed.

Massachusetts sports betting history

Massachusetts online sports betting became a reality nearly five years after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Today, local bettors can place legal wagers with seven mobile sportsbooks. 

2024: Betway pulls out of Massachusetts after being approved for an untethered category 3 sports betting license. In February, Betr and WynnBET exit the MA sports betting market.

2023: Massachusetts became the second state to launch retail and online sports betting in 2023. Three brick-and-mortar sportsbooks opened their doors on Jan. 31, while six online sports betting apps went live on March 10. Betr launches its MA sports betting site on May 8, and Fanatics Sportsbook became the eighth online operator in the state on May 25.

2022: After several amendments and compromises, HB 3993 became H.5164. On Aug. 10, Governor Charlie Baker signed H.5164 into law, officially legalizing online and retail sports betting in Massachusetts. After considering an "aggressive timeline," regulators agreed to push the state's online sports betting launch from late February 2023 to early March 2023.

2021: Nearly two dozen sports betting bills were introduced, but none made it across the finish line. Notably, lawmakers honed in on HB 3993, an amended bill that the House passed by a vote of 156-3. 

List of Massachusetts resources

Continue your MA sports betting deep dive by checking out some of our favorite resources:

• Massachusetts Gaming Commission: MA state gambling regulator
  
  
• Office of Problem Gambling Services: A resource for those affected by gambling addiction
  
  
• Massachusetts sports betting law: Bill H.5164
  
  
• Massachusetts sports betting regulations: Rules related to online and retail sports wagering
  
  
• Massachusetts Legislature: Stay up-to-date on the latest gambling-related bills
  
  
• The Boston Globe: Leading newspaper covering New England sports