NEWSLETTER
Massachusetts sports betting began as a few retail locations opened their doors to accept wagers on January 31, 2023. On August 10, 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed a sports betting bill into law. The bill passed in July of 2022 but the movement to legalize sports betting was delayed until August.
Online sports betting was able to launch on March 10, 2023. Here’s what you need to know about Massachusetts sports betting and more.
What’s Happening in Massachusetts Sports Betting Right Now
Three retail locations were approved and started to accept bets on January 31, 2023. There was a “soft launch” the day before for a limited amount of bettors.
Mobile sports betting launched on March 10. Sports bettors in the state are thankful it was available before NCAA March Madness.
Massachusetts Online Sportsbooks
With the 15 online sports betting licenses, you’ll see the major players fighting for a spot in the state. Here are a few you can expect to likely be fighting for sports betting revenue.
Fanatics Sportsbook
When you register at Fanatics Sportsbook in Massachusetts, you can claim one of two offers: a “Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!” offer or a “Sign Up & Get $50 in Bonus Bets + 10 Profit Boost Tokens” one.
BetMGM
BetMGM has been approved for a mobile license to go along with the retail license at MGM Springfield. You can score great promotions and use the sportsbook’s solid features like live betting, edit my bet, and more. There is a 10x wagering requirement on the 20% deposit match.
DraftKings
DraftKings is headquartered in Boston and the company currently offers Daily Fantasy Sports contests. It’s a leading sportsbook in many legal states and a prominent name in the sports betting world.
Caesars
Caesars has one of the best VIP loyalty programs in the business. The sportsbook also has solid live betting, live streaming, and more for sports bettors in the state.
FanDuel
With its strong live betting options and same-game parlay. FanDuel has been a strong sportsbook in states across the country. New users should take advantage of the latest promo codes in the state.
ESPN BET
ESPN BET Sportsbook launched on November 14, 2023, and comes from one of the most recognizable brands in the sports media industry, ESPN. The current welcome bonus allows new users to make their first wager and get up to $1,000 back in bonuses if it loses with a “First Bet Reset”.
How to Place a Bet with a Massachusetts Sportsbook
To start online sports betting in Massachusetts, you must first reside in the state. You can then download a mobile sportsbook app or visit a retail location. Once you have downloaded an app, register by providing your personal information such as name, birthday, and address. This helps the sportsbook confirm your identity so that you can start betting.
After signing up, you can make a deposit or take advantage of any promotions or offers. Now, you are ready for legal online sports betting in Massachusetts. You can browse through the popular bets or explore the professional sports teams that you can bet on.
There will be several sports betting sites available for you to choose from. If you are new to sports betting, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules before placing bets.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Retail Locations
Three casinos were granted licenses as retail sportsbooks and they have teamed up with popular sportsbook brands. The casinos will be granted two online skins each.
Here are the casinos that are accepting sports bets since retail locations launched in the state at the end of January.
MGM Springfield – BetMGM
MGM opened its Springfield complex back in August of 2018. Officials built a multi-million dollar sportsbook at the casino.
The sportsbook lounge has over 70 theater seats and an island bar. There will be a smaller VIP sports lounge and viewing wall as well.
Plainridge Park Casino – ESPN BET Sportsbook
Plainridge is the oldest gaming venue in Massachusetts. Its slot parlor opened in 2015 and is operated by Penn National Gaming.
Legal betting options in Massachusetts
As you wait for the ability to wager on sports, there are a few betting options. The state is home to two full-scale casino resorts and a slots-only racino.
Casino gambling in Massachusetts
You can visit the MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, and Plainridge Park Casino for non-sports betting options. These three are partnered with sportsbooks and the retail locations opened on January 31, 2023.
Online horse betting in Massachusetts
Massachusetts betting allows for horse racing and horse betting. You can bet on horses using online betting sites.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Legal DFS play goes back to 2016 in the state. Some say it can claim to be the capital of Daily Fantasy Sports due to DraftKings coming to life in Boston.
What you can’t bet on in Massachusetts
The sports betting law will prohibit certain types of wagers you might see sportsbooks in other states offer.
Politics
Sorry but no betting on who will become president. Also no betting on any election at the state or federal level.
Entertainment award ceremonies
As of now, there will be no betting on events such as the Oscars or Grammys. This is subject to change.
eSports betting
It is currently unclear where regulators fall on esports. This could potentially change after retail and online sports betting launches.
In-state college sports teams (except for tournaments)
What about betting on college sports? You will not be allowed to wager on college sports teams located in Massachusetts unless they are competing in a tournament. Sports bettors would not be able to bet on a regular season Boston College football game.
Massachusetts lawmakers have been going back and first on sports betting legislation involving college teams. For now, you can only bet on in-state teams for major events such as March Madness.
What are the Major Sports in Massachusetts to Bet On?
New bettors using online sportsbooks in Massachusetts will have several major sports to choose from to place bets. These professional sports include the NBA, MLB, NFL, MLS, NHL, PGA Tour, and much more. If you have any questions on what sports will be available, be sure to contact customer support at your sportsbook.
Teams for Massachusetts Sports Betting
When sports betting goes live, there will be quite a few professional sports teams for Massachusetts bettors to wager on. Sports fans can expect to be able to wager on teams like the:
Boston Red Sox
Boston Bruins
Boston Celtics
New England Patriots
New England Revolution
Currently, sports betting with college teams in the state is off-limits unless it is a major college tournament. Bettors can place wagers on teams outside of the state such as Penn State, USC, Texas, and more in major college sports.
Should I Sign Up For Multiple Sportsbooks?
There are benefits to having more than one sportsbook account. Most bettors will have several online apps or websites to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when online legal sports betting finally goes live.
Bet Offerings
Different books offer varying options and bets. Make sure to check this during your research process. If you have a specific bet or sport in mind, it is important to verify that the book you choose offers it before making your first deposit.
Get The Best Line
The lines and odds offered by online sportsbooks can vary. To ensure you get the best value for your bet, it is important to compare the options at multiple books. For example, one book might offer the Browns’ moneyline at +110, while another lists it at +125.
Feel of the Sportsbook
When it comes to betting, your level of comfort is important. You should choose a sportsbook that you feel comfortable using and understand. This could be based on factors such as the design and functionality of the website or mobile app.
Sportsbook Rules
It is valuable to learn the rules of different sportsbooks. Not all bets are paid out based on the same exact rules. It is not uniform across the board.
Massachusetts Sports Betting FAQ
You will have to be over 21 years of age to place wagers after the launch of sports betting in Massachusetts. Starting January 31, 2023, in-person sports betting started taking wagers. Online launches March 10.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is in charge of regulating sports betting in the state.
Retail sports betting locations were able to accept wagers starting on January 31, 2023. As of now, the casinos at Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park are open for in-person betting. Online will launch on March 10.
Sports betting launched in Massachusetts on January 31, 2023, for retail locations. Mobile sports betting goes live on March 10, 2023.
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