Online gambling in Massachusetts is partially legal, which means that only some products are available. Our team of betting experts have put all of the best sports betting and DFS sites to the test. Discover the best options out there, together with their bonuses, payment methods, and apps.

Todd Winkler, Editor at online-gambling.com

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Todd Winkler has been an editor at online-gambling.com for 6 years. His focus is on guides and articles about poker games, blackjack, and DFS. With relatives in New Zealand, he is also well aware of the gambling industry in the country.

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Massachusetts Online Gambling – Top Products & Sites

While most forms of retail gambling are legal in Massachusetts, the online gambling laws vary for each product. Currently, only daily fantasy sites and sports betting are legal, with most other forms of gambling being illegal. Fans of casinos will have to visit one of the land-based operators, which includes some tribal gaming establishments.

However, you can be certain that all the legal establishments are entirely safe. They are licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, ensuring they comply with state laws. Additionally, all online sportsbooks are audited by independent auditing authorities. They also work with responsible gambling organizations, such as the NCPG, to prevent addiction.

Online Sportsbooks

After years of debates and negotiations, MA legislators finally agreed to a bill to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts on August 1, 2022. The Act to Regulate Sports Wagering (House Bill No. 5164) was signed into law on August 10. While retail sportsbooks opened on January 31, 2023,^[1] it would take until March for the first online sportsbooks to become available.

Thanks to the new legislation, players can bet on sports with the full protection of local regulation. All MA betting sites included in our ranking are licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. That ensures the sites are secure and provide fair payouts. Some operators also have native mobile apps or provide unique betting markets.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports were legalized in Massachusetts in 2016 under temporary legislation. The temporary bill expired in 2018, so state lawmakers passed a permanent bill legalizing DFS contests.^[2] Thanks to the legislation, MA residents aged 21 or above can legally play at their preferred Massachusetts DFS sites.

Since this legislation, the state residents can choose from several legal DFS sites in Massachusetts. When testing these sites, we also found that some operators feature contests for beginners and detailed guides on playing. Meanwhile, regular players can find daily contests, which keep the experience fresh. All recommended operators are secure, mobile-friendly, and offer many fantasy sports contests.

Online Casinos

In 2011, Governor Deval Patrick signed the Expanded Gaming Act into law. That authorized a small number of casinos to operate in the state. Players who wish to try real money casino games in Massachusetts, can visit one of the three land-based casino venues. Currently, the online casinos in Massachusetts remain illegal under MA casino laws.

Online Poker

If you’re an MA resident and want to play poker, you’ll need to be physically present at one of the land-based casinos. Under Massachusetts gambling laws, no online poker is allowed in the state. There are no proposals currently under consideration to update online poker laws in Massachusetts.

Online Lottery

The Massachusetts Lottery was legalized and established on September 27, 1971. Players must be over 18 to purchase tickets and can only do so through retail outlets. While there are currently no plans for online lottery in Massachusetts, players can participate in popular draws such as Powerball and Mega Millions. You can also check results through a mobile app.

Online Gambling Bonuses & Promo Codes in Massachusetts

The top legal online gambling sites in Massachusetts feature various bonus offers for new and regular players. According to our expertise, these sites have decent welcome bonuses to help players try some available markets. Most offers provide bonus bets, so players can try different wager combinations, but some have first bet insurance offers.

Before claiming an offer, you should always read the bonus terms for more details. They contain information on the validity period, minimum deposit, and wagering requirements. You must complete these requirements before you can claim any winnings. Some offers also require inputting a bonus code to claim them.

Regular players can also find a varied selection of bonus offers. The most common types are odds boosts, which are often applied to specific events or markets, such as NHL matches. There are also tournaments, where you compete against others for prizes. We were also impressed by the presence of loyalty programs and custom offers at some operators.

Deposit Bonuses

Most legal MA gambling sites feature deposit bonuses. For sportsbooks, these come in the form of bonus bets, where players receive additional funds to try the available markets. While some may require bonus codes, these offers can usually be used on any markets and leagues. They are also helpful for trying parlay or teaser bets.

No Deposit Bonus Offers

Some online betting sites offer no deposit bonuses. These are usually available to new players and sometimes come in packages with other bonuses. However, these offers still have bonus terms and wagering requirements, so you should read them before opting in. You may also need to deposit before you can withdraw any winnings.

Top Gambling Apps – Bet on the Go

All MA online gambling sites also offer mobile apps. They are popular among fans of sports betting and daily fantasy, as players can easily keep track of results and place bets at any time. Most sites use the latest HTML5 technology, which means players can access them directly from their mobile browsers.

However, some operators have native iOS and Android apps. These provide a more dedicated experience with interfaces that are better optimized for smaller screens. Regardless, you can be confident they are all of great quality, and the experience is identical to the desktop versions. That includes all the bonus offers and features.

All the MA gambling apps are protected by the latest SSL encryption technology, ensuring your data is safe. Before playing, you should also check your internet connection and update your device. That ensures you won’t encounter any buffering or loading issues when browsing and placing bets. A stable connection is also crucial for those placing in-play bets.

Live Gambling

While live casino games are not available in Massachusetts, there are options for live gambling. Most sportsbooks allow players to place in-play bets on ongoing events. The odds change depending on the results during these events, so a careful strategy is even more vital. Some events also have special in-play props, such as tie-break winners or first to score a point, for even more variety.

The rest of the editorial team agrees that the livestream options at MA betting sites are excellent. Players can watch the events on high-quality livestreams and keep track of the outcomes. Additionally, there are live statistics and animations that can help you make better predictions. Note that you will have to register to watch livestreams.

In-play betting can also be accessed through mobile apps, so you can always track your bets. Most sites also have cash-out options to claim winnings early to reduce losses. You can also place same-game parlays to cover multiple markets. Due to the need for fast decision-making and in-depth knowledge of events, live betting is usually preferred by experienced players.

Deposits & Withdrawals

MA online gambling sites offer various ways to fund your account. Under the new MA gambling laws, you cannot deposit money into your account using a credit card. That is a responsible gambling measure put in place to help protect gamblers. However, you can use all major debit cards.

Other deposit options for include online banking, bank transfers, prepaid cards, cash at the cage, and e-wallets. Note that the minimum and maximum deposit limits could vary between payment methods when choosing a deposit option. Plus, some options do not support withdrawals.

Depositing money at an online gambling site is a quick process. Once you have logged in to your account, head to the banking section. Take your pick from the accepted payment methods, then enter the deposit amount and the required payment details. Deposits are usually processed and added to your account instantly.

Withdrawals follow a similar pattern to depositing. However, you should remember that withdrawals take longer to process. The operator will conduct verification checks to prevent money laundering before authorizing a withdrawal. Once approved, the process times vary depending on the payment method. E-wallets process withdrawals within a few hours, while bank transfers may take a few days.

Odds & Payouts

MA online gambling sites provide competitive odds for various markets. While the odds for regular markets and futures are usually fixed, live betting odds are subject to change while the event is ongoing. Some prop odds also only become available once the event has started.

Aside from showing the chances of this bet winning, odds are used to calculate the payouts. For example, if the Patriots have odds of +200 to become the AFL Championship winner, you could earn $200 for a bet of $100. The plus indicates this outcome is the underdog and thus the potential payout is higher.

Players can also switch the way odds are displayed. Most sites allow you to choose between American, decimal, and fractional odds, so you can use whichever is more comfortable. You should also remember that odds vary between the sites, so comparing them before placing a bet is a good idea.

Players should also be aware of true and implied odds. All betting sites include a profit margin when calculating their odds, which is vital to consider when browsing the markets. While online casinos are not yet available in Massachusetts, it is also important to know the average casino game RTP rates. They can be useful when playing at land-based casinos.

How to Gamble Online in Massachusetts

If you want to bet on sports or participate in daily fantasy contests at Massachusetts online gambling sites, you will first need to create an account. The process is much the same for any type of online gambling. First, you must choose a legit gambling site with a valid Massachusetts Gaming Commission license.

The operator will also request documentation to verify your identity and ensure you meet the legal gambling age. After verifying your account, you can go to the cashier and follow the instructions to deposit funds. Remember to opt-in for a bonus offer before depositing and input the bonus code if necessary.

Remember to gamble responsibly by preparing a budget and taking breaks when necessary. You can also contact the customer support team if you encounter any issues or need help with responsible gambling tools. While most sites will have e-mail or live chat options, some also have phone support.

Advantages of Online Gambling in MA

Both online and offline gambling have their strengths and weaknesses, which is why they are often compared. Online gambling is convenient, with a wide selection of markets and many promotions. You can also play through your phone, and events are available 24/7. Meanwhile, offline gambling provides a unique atmosphere with instant payouts.

Offline gambling is also the only way to play casino games, such as slots, blackjack, or any type of poker. Additionally, you can only buy lottery tickets through authorized retail agents. While online gambling in Massachusetts is currently limited and more suited for sports betting fans, it still provides a great experience.

Land-based Casinos, Sportsbooks, and Racetracks

Massachusetts has three casino venues where you can play real money casino games and bet on sports. Plainridge Park Casino offers over 800 slot machines. The Lightning Link progressive slots are popular with MA players. The casino also offers a great selection of electronic table games, including roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. Live harness racing takes place from April through November.

The MGM Springfield casino resort has over 1500 slot machines and live dealer table games available 24/7. It also features a poker room open daily from 10 am – 3 am. The resort incorporates a 240-room hotel, a rooftop pool, and six restaurants among its amenities. It provides a decent alternative to Massachusetts online gambling sites.

The Encore Boston Harbor casino resort is a venue on the Mystic riverfront. It features over 2700 slot machines and 185 live table games. There are also private high-limit gaming areas for high rollers and a poker room with daily tournaments. The resort features over ten restaurants, a serene spa, and various retail boutiques.

Massachusetts Gambling Laws

Massachusetts has a long history of gambling laws being introduced, repealed, and re-introduced again. The lottery possibly had the most back-and-forth of any gambling products, having been initially banned in 1719, legalized in 1745, banned in 1833, and finally legalized for good in 1971. The same year, bingo/beano was also added to the list of legal gambling, as it had been banned since 1943.

Regarding sports, horseracing wagers have been legal since 1934, when horse and dog racing came under regulations. Dog racing has since been banned, which forced the state’s two tracks to close in 2010. After years of attempts to introduce sports betting in the state, MA lawmakers finally agreed to legalize betting on sports in August 2022.

Casino gaming became legal in 2011 with the introduction of the Expanded Gaming Act. The law also established the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to license and regulate the state’s casino venues. Online gambling was first authorized in the state in 2016, with legislation permitting daily fantasy sports sites. Online poker is banned and poker games are only available at land-based casinos.

Gambling Guides for Other States

• PA Online Gambling Guide
• KA Online Gambling Guide
• MI Online Gambling Guide
• IN Online Gambling Guide

History of Gambling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has one of the most well-documented and longest gambling histories in the States, having laid down its first legislation in 1719. Most of the developments in the gambling legislation have been due to campaign pressure or to raise funds for war efforts. In more recent history, Massachusetts has been fairly pro-gambling, continuously investigating new sectors, such as Massachusetts online gambling, for their value and regulatory impacts.

State Facts & Statistics

Massachusetts has been the birthplace of many interesting people and things, with several important inventions in the Bay State. For example, four US Presidents hail from Massachusetts: John Fitzgerald Kennedy, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and George H.W. Bush.

This state also produced volleyball, rocket fuel, sewing machines, and vulcanized rubber. Though it hasn’t maintained the same path-making attitude for gambling across the US, it hasn’t been left behind. Instead, it closely follows a few pioneer states in legalizing more types of gambling. We hope more options will soon become available for online gambling in Massachusetts.

Legal Gambling Age in the State

While the legal age for betting on daily fantasy is 18 in most states, MA online gambling laws require players to be 21. Similarly, the minimum age requirement of 21 is applied to casino games and sports betting in land-based operators and online. However, players need to be only 18 to participate in the Massachusetts Lottery.

Preventing underage gambling is a key requirement of all gambling operators licensed by the state gaming commission. Land-based casinos and sportsbooks prohibit underage people from entering, so you must bring your ID to prove you meet the legal age requirement. Online gambling sites in Massachusetts will also require valid identification before you can open an account and deposit funds.

• Legal Gambling Age
  The legal age for online gambling in Massachusetts is 21, both for DFS and sports betting.
• Legal Drinking Age
  As of 1984, the legal age for drinking alcohol in Massachusetts is 21 and over.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  People aged 21 and over are legally allowed to purchase and use marijuana for recreational use.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

Those experiencing symptoms of problem gambling can seek help and advice from the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, which is an affiliate organization of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). It offers services such as a helpline, educational materials, and events to help those suffering from gambling addiction.

The state is also a member of the GameSense project, a British Columbia-based organization that aims to educate people on the types of casino games they are playing, the odds of winning, and how to safely manage a budget for gambling. All licensed online gambling sites promote responsible gambling and offer self-help tools, including the option to self-exclude.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

The legal sports betting industry in Massachusetts is in its early stages. Therefore, we may see some changes to the current gambling legislation based on experiences as licensed betting sites and venues continue to roll out. While we do not expect any major changes soon, sports betting laws have set a good precedent for future legislation.

State lawmakers have not expressed interest in legalizing online casinos, poker sites or iLottery services. Still, the state is beginning to reap the rewards of taxation on sports betting sites, sportsbooks, and land-based casinos.^[3] It may trigger a conversation regarding an expansion of the state’s gambling industry. We hope that in the future, Massachusetts will be able to compete with other top online gambling markets.

References

• Horner, Charlie (SBC Americas), (January 31, 2023) Massachusetts Sports Betting Launches in Casinos, Retrieved on December 14, 2023
• Gaming Intelligence (January 24, 2018) Massachusetts Lawmaker Proposes Permanent Dfs Regulations, Retrieved on December 14, 2023
• Winne, Lucy, (Gambling Insider) (August 16, 2023) Massachusetts Reports $98.6m in Casino Revenue for July, Retrieved on December 14, 2023