Sports betting in Massachusetts was legalized on August 10, 2022, and online sports betting was launched on March 10, 2023. There are six online sportsbooks where betting is permitted in Massachusetts: Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBet. BallyBet, Betr, Betway, and Fanatics are expected to launch later this year.
Keep reading to discover the latest on sports betting in Massachusetts, our expert reviews of the sportsbooks on offer, and top bonuses to claim.
Top 6 Online Sports Betting Sites in Massachusetts
- DraftKings – Free-to-play cash pools for prizes; Daily Fantasy Sports specialists; deep betting options for all the US major leagues, including stacked prop markets
- FanDuel – All-in-one wallet for DFS, horse racing, and sports betting; on-site statistics and 101 Learn to Bet pages make this a perfect spot for beginners to sports betting in MA
- Caesars – Best-in-class rewards program for real-life prizes; great selection of payment methods, including e-checks, debit/credit cards, Play+, and in-person payments
- BetMGM – Official sports betting partner of the Boston Red Sox; best-in-class live betting and streaming services in MA; lucrative loyalty program and welcome bonus available
- WynnBET – Personalized bets tailored to your tastes; utilize The Playbook for all of the latest news, betting guides, picks, and expert predictions
- Barstool – Use Parlay+ for multisport and same-game parlays. Plus, regular odds boosts, a vibrant social media community, and betting picks courtesy of celebrity athletes
Best Massachusetts Sportsbooks for Each Bettor Type
Sportsbook | Best For | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code |
DraftKings | Sports fans | 20% deposit match up to $1,000 | N/A – Claim Bonus |
FanDuel | Sports fans/recreational bettors | $1,000 no sweat first bet | N/A – Claim Bonus |
Caesars | Bonus Hunters | Stake back if first bet lose up to $1,250 + 1,000 reward credits & 1,000 tier credits | CZRFULL – Claim Bonus |
BetMGM | Parlay bettors | First bet back up to $1,000 | N/A – Claim Bonus |
WynnBET | Stat focused bettors | $100 Bet Credit | SPORTS – Claim Bonus |
Barstool | Recreational bettors | First bet back up to $1,000 | N/A – Claim Bonus |
Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
Massachusetts has a long history of sports betting, notably horse racing betting. MA legalized pari-mutuel wagering in 1934, and there is still live horse racing today at Plainridge Racecourse.
In recent years, Gov. Baker was the leading supporter of legalized sports betting in MA. Gov. Baker quickly stated that Massachusetts should look into the possibility of legal sports betting shortly after the US Supreme Court repealed PASPA. Despite notable opposition, he was able to sign HB 5164 and legalize wagering on sports before his term ended in January 2023. We’ve outlined the critical moments in Massachusetts sports betting history below.
- March 10, 2023: Massachusetts online sports betting is live, with Barstool, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBet all offering wagering for sports fans.
- January 31, 2023: Retail sports betting is launched in Massachusetts. Retail sportsbooks open in Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino.
- August 1-10, 2022: A compromise is reached at the last possible moment of the legislative session. HB 3993 becomes HB 5164 after lawmakers agree to a deal on tax rates and college betting. Baker signs HB 5164, legalizing sports betting in Massachusetts. The baton is now passed to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to ready the market for launch.
- July 21, 2021: Representatives propose HB 3977 to the House. This bill contains elements of multiple prior bills. Representatives make amendments to the bill the following day, now renamed HB 3993. The bill passes the House by a vote of 156-3.
- March 12, 2020: Lawmakers combine multiple bills presented in 2019 into one bill, HB 4559. It does not pass the House in time due primarily to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Best Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites Reviewed
Look no further for an expert opinion on Massachusetts online sports betting sites. Our team of industry professionals has reviewed the best sportsbooks so you know all the information before you choose your preferred operator.
1. DraftKings – Free-to-play cash pools for prizes
- Website: sportsbook.draftkings.com/ma-sports-betting
- Payout Time: 1-3 days
- Established: 2012
- Partnerships: NFL and NHL
- Headquarters: Massachusetts, US
Our Verdict: 9.7/10
Massachusetts is home turf for DraftKings, which started as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operator in Boston. The company is still based in MA and is the best option for local bettors, providing hundreds of markets on popular sports, as well as easy access to other types of gambling. You can also interact with other players using DraftKings Social to see what they’re wagering.
You can find dozens of sports for betting at DraftKings as the betting site is an official partner of all the major leagues and plenty of other popular sports teams and leagues. You’ll find a wide range of bet types like moneylines, point spreads, and totals on every event. You can also play free predictions games for cash prizes on popular sports.
When you make instant deposits at DraftKings you can use a range of payment options, including Visa and Mastercard, although these methods are not available for withdrawals. However, you can use ACH, wire transfer, and Play+ to remove cash from your account. If you run into any trouble at DraftKings Massachusetts sportsbook, you can contact the customer support team 24/7 through live chat and email. You can also make a phone call and request a callback when a support agent is free, or speak to a DraftKings team member through social media.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.5/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
- Registration Process: 9.8/10
- Account Verification: 9.7/10
- Payment Methods: 9.3/10
- Sportsbook: 9.7/10
- Customer Support: 9.7/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.8/10
DraftKings bonuses & promos:
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time |
20% deposit match up to $1,000 | 25x wagering requirement | $5 | 1-3 days |
Pros:
- Founded in Boston as a DFS company
- Often has the best odds for the major leagues
- $150 in bonus bets available after a $5 bet
- Daily sportsbook pools with cash prizes
- Wide range of player props and other markets
Cons:
- Withdrawals can take up to 48 hours.
2. FanDuel – All-in-one wallet for DFS, horse racing, and sports betting
- Website: ma.sportsbook.fanduel.com/
- Payout Time: 2-5 days
- Established: 2009
- Headquarters: New York City, NY
Our Verdict: 9.5/10
FanDuel will already be familiar with some bettors in MA, thanks to its popular daily fantasy sports (DFS) product. Owned by the publicly traded FTSE100 betting industry leader, Flutter Entertainment, FanDuel offers a great range of markets and an all-in-one wallet that can be used to fund sports betting, DFS, and horse racing betting.
The sportsbook’s range of betting markets includes popular sports with MA bettors like football, baseball, basketball, and hockey, alongside some niche options like handball, darts, and cycling. You can also wager in-play, and the sportsbook offers live streaming on selected events.
You can fund your FanDuel-powered wallet using bank cards, PayPal, and online bank transfers. Once your deposits are confirmed, you can use your funds (and your bet winnings) across other FanDuel products, like DFS, and pari-mutuel horse racing through Flutter-owned racebook, TVG. FanDuel also has a useful help center with FAQs and guides on troubleshooting common problems. If you still need assistance with banking (or betting), chat with a FanDuel representative via email, hotline, or live chat.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.3/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.8/10
- Registration Process: 9.7/10
- Account Verification: 9.7/10
- Payment Methods: 9.2/10
- Sportsbook: 9.6/10
- Customer Support: 9.7/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.7/10
FanDuel bonuses & promos:
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time |
Up to $1000 stake back on first bet | N/A | $10 | 2-5 days |
Pros:
- Sports betting, DFS, and horse betting in one
- Highlights boosted odds for events every day
- No sweat bonus bets available weekly
- Accepts PayPal, Venmo, Visa, ACH, Mastercard
- Features include SGP and live betting with streaming
Cons:
- Limited promotions and loyalty rewards
3. Caesars – Best-in-class rewards program for real-life prizes
- Website: https://caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/ma/
- Payout Time: 1-2 days
- Established: 2021
- Partnership: NBA
- Headquarters: Reno, NV
Our Verdict: 9.5/10
If you’re a fan of gambling, Caesars will be a familiar name, thanks to Caesars Las Vegas and other famous land-based locations. Caesars Sportsbook is the online arm of Caesars Entertainment and provides you with a bespoke betting experience. Of course, anyone that signs up with Caesars gets the benefits of the Caesars Rewards program, earning points for betting which you can use to claim bonuses, meals, and hotel stays.
While Caesars has a range of betting markets to match any online sportsbook in the US, with hundreds of bet types for popular US sports, the main appeal is its NFL live streaming. Every Sunday during the season, you can log in to your Caesars MA sports betting account to watch games.
You can add money to your account through various payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, PayNearMe, Play+, ACH, and online bank transfers. However, it’s worth noting that you can only withdraw using ACH, online banking, and Play+. Should you have any issues at all, you can get help at Caesars Massachusetts betting site 24/7 using its helpful FAQs or by contacting the team via live chat or telephone callback.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.7/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.4/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.4/10
- Registration Process: 9.5/10
- Account Verification: 9.4/10
- Payment Methods: 9.4/10
- Sportsbook: 9.2/10
- Customer Support: 9.4/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.5/10
Caesars bonuses & promos:
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time |
Stake back if first bet lose up to $1,250 + 1,000 reward credits & 1,000 tier credits | N/A | $20 | 1-2 days |
Pros:
- Leading gambling site for promotions in Massachusetts
- Competitive odds for 20 sports with good coverage
- Convenient banking starting from $10 per transaction
- Licensed and regulated in more than 20 states
- Fastest withdrawals for verified customers (1 hour)
Cons:
- Mobile apps can be a big clunky to operate
4. BetMGM – Official sports betting partner of the Boston Red Sox
- Website: sports.ma.betmgm.com/
- Payout Time: 0-5 days
- Established: 2018
- Partnership: Boston Red Sox
- Headquarters: Jersey City, NJ
Our Verdict: 9.3/10
Jointly operated by MGM Resorts International and Entain, BetMGM’s parent companies are among the most trusted in the industry. It is popular with bettors in 20 jurisdictions thanks to its incredible rewards program, easy-to-use desktop client, mobile site, and app, and extensive range of sports markets.
All the most popular leagues with MA bettors, like NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA, are covered on BetMGM Sportsbook. The site has a wide range of markets within each sport, like moneylines, point spreads, and total bets. It also offers same-game parlays, live betting, and streaming on some sporting events.
BetMGM accepts popular payment options like e-wallets, trusted bank cards like Visa and Mastercard, and wire transfers. Deposits are instant, but withdrawals can take up to 5 business days depending on your preferred method. E-wallets offer the fastest withdrawals – usually a couple of hours. If you have a problem while using the BetMGM Sportsbook, help is available 24/7 via live chat, phone, or email. BetMGM also provides a helpful FAQ section with an extensive range of troubleshooting guides.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.5/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.8/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
- Registration Process: 9.7/10
- Account Verification: 9.7/10
- Payment Methods: 9.2/10
- Sportsbook: 9.6/10
- Customer Support: 9.4/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.6/10
BetMGM bonuses & promos:
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time |
$1000 stake back on first bet | N/A | $10 | 0-5 days |
Pros:
- Exclusive competitions and predictions with large prizes
- Can earn and claim rewards online, on mobile, and in casinos
- One Game Parlay feature now available on major leagues
- Great variety of banking methods for MA gambling
- Live streaming available after logging in on the site
Cons:
- Customer support service is busy sometimes
5. WynnBET – Personalized bets tailored to your tastes
- Website: ma.wynnbet.com
- Payout Time: 3-5 days
- Established: 2020
- Headquarters: Las Vegas, NV
Our Verdict: 9.1/10
Steve Wynn is one of the most influential figures on the Las Vegas Strip, developing some of its most famous casinos. His company, Wynn Resorts, is continuing to have a huge impact on the gambling industry with its online platform, WynnBET. The sportsbook has a lot to offer players, including a unique personalized bet feature that tracks your wagering history to recommend bets.
While WynnBET has a pretty poorly designed desktop site, you can still find the sports you want to bet on easily. There are fewer options than at other Massachusetts online sports betting sites because the site doesn’t display sports out of season. However, there are still plenty of major league and niche sports markets to enjoy.
You’ll recognize many of the payment methods available at WynnBET from your day-to-day life, with bank cards like Visa and Mastercard available for deposits. You can also use prepaid cards like Play+, or PayNearMe to make deposits with cash in person. Other popular payment methods include ACH, PayPal, and wire transfers. Any issues: connect with a live chat agent 24/7 at WynnBET, or you can use email and phone support, which operates from 08:30 to 02:00 EST. No matter what method of support you use, every agent is friendly and answers questions quickly.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 8.3/10
- Desktop Experience: 8.9/10
- Mobile Experience: 8.8/10
- Registration Process: 9.4/10
- Account Verification: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.1/10
- Sportsbook: 9.2/10
- Customer Support: 9.2/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.4/10
WynnBET bonuses & promos:
Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Payout Time |
$100 Bet Credit | N/A | 1x | $100 | 3-5 days |
Pros:
- Extensive help section for customer support
- Operates a land-based casino in Massachusetts
- Boosted odds for selected parlays every day
- Exclusive promotions, like paid vacations
- Can create same-game parlays with ease
Cons:
- Not as many sports as other gambling sites
6. Barstool – Use Parlay+ for multisport and same-game parlays
- Website: https://www.barstoolsportsbook.com/
- Payout Time: 3-5 days
- Established: 2020
- Land-Based Partner: Plainridge Park Casino
- Headquarters: New York, NY
Our Verdict: 9.0/10
Operated as a joint venture of the sports digital media brand Barstool Sports and its parent company Penn National Gaming, Barstool Sportsbook is a relative newcomer in the sports betting industry, having launched first in Pennsylvania in September 2020. Offering a good range of payment methods and solid sports markets, Barstool is a solid option for MA bettors.
The sportsbook offers a solid range of sports markets, with all the favorites like football, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, and tennis covered. It has some more exotic options, too, with lacrosse and rugby also available for wagering.
You can fund your Barstool Sportsbook account using major bank cards, online bank transfers, PayNear Me, and e-wallets like PayPal. Withdrawals are processed within 2-5 business days, depending on your chosen payment method. Should you have any issues, Barstool Sportsbook has customer support available via live chat, email, and phone. Each of these methods is available 24/7. It also offers an FAQ section, although it’s not quite as extensive as some of the other sportsbooks.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.4/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.3/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.2/10
- Registration Process: 9.5/10
- Account Verification: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Sportsbook: 9.3/10
- Customer Support: 9.4/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.9/10
Barstool bonuses & promos:
Sign-Up Bonus | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit | Payout Time |
Up to $1000 stake back on first bet | 1x | $10 | 3-5 days |
Pros:
- Clean layout with a convenient bet slip
- Parlay+ widely available on the sportsbook
- The first sportsbook with support for crypto
- Loyalty perks include annual cruises
- Fast customer support on the website
Cons:
- Limited props compared to other bookies
Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Regulation
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates Massachusetts online sports betting. The commission comprises five full-time commission members who oversee licensing and regulation for the MA casinos and sportsbooks.
The legal age to place sports bets in Massachusetts is 21. This is also the required age to play casino games or DFS. If you want to bet on horse races or buy a lottery ticket, you must be at least 18 years old.
While nearly anyone over 21 can place sports bets, there are some exceptions. Firstly, you have to be physically located within Massachusetts to place a bet with an MA online sportsbook.
Secondly, if you meet any of the following criteria, you are prohibited from making sports wagers:
- Individuals with a stake in a sports team
- Athletes or coaches of a professional or college sports team
- Individuals employed by a sports organization (NBA, NCAA, etc.)
- Professional or college-level referee or umpire
- Individuals with the ability or authority to influence players or teams
- Individuals with access to non-public information about a sports team or players (e.g., medical practitioners)
- Individuals employed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission
- Individuals banned from gambling at a federal or state level (e.g., due to criminal background)
Sports Betting Licensing in Massachusetts
A sports betting license in Massachusetts costs $5 million for a five-year license. There is also a non-refundable application fee of $200,000 payable.
15 online sportsbook licenses are available in total, meaning that Massachusetts can generate $78 million in license fees every five years. The MGC allocated 10 licenses, meaning five are up for grabs in MA.
College Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Massachusetts sports bettors can wager on college sports, but the range of bets available is restricted. Betting on in-state collegiate teams is prohibited, and betting on player prop bets is also prohibited. You can bet on in-state schools if any Massachusetts team reaches the postseason.
Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Bonuses
When you register with a Massachusetts online sports betting site you’ll be offered bonuses like free bets, deposit matches, and risk-free bets. Keep reading to discover some of the most common sportsbook bonuses below.
Massachusetts Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are awarded to new MA sportsbook bettors following registration or making their first deposit. These bonuses can be free bets, deposit matches, and risk-free bets, and can usually only be used once.
Massachusetts Deposit Match Bonuses
When claiming a deposit match bonus, your sportsbook will match a percentage of your qualifying deposit up to a set limit.
As an example, your chosen sportsbook has a 100% deposit match on your first deposit up to $100. So, if you deposit $100, your Massachusetts betting app will award you an additional $100 in bonus funds. These funds will be subject to terms and conditions like wagering requirements, so be sure to read up on them first.
Massachusetts No Deposit Bonuses
You can claim a no deposit bonus at Massachusetts online sports betting sites simply for signing up and without depositing your own funds. Usually, you’ll need to deposit to withdraw any winnings, and these bonuses usually come with terms and conditions like wagering requirements.
Massachusetts Risk-Free Bets
A risk-free bet lets you place a qualifying bet without risking your own money. If your bet is successful, you receive your stake and any profit from the wager. If your bet loses, you receive the value of the bet in free bet credits, which can be used to place wagers on your sportsbook. You’ll receive any profit from these wagers, but not your stake.
Massachusetts Sportsbook Bonus Codes
The overwhelming majority of Massachusetts sports betting bonus codes are combinations of unique letters and numbers that can be entered into your sportsbook while registering and depositing to redeem exclusive offers, like free bets and deposit matches.
Massachusetts Free Bets
When you claim a free bet offer, your Massachusetts betting app allows you to place a bet without risking your bankroll. If your bet is successful, you can claim the winnings as withdrawable cash. Free bets often come with terms and conditions like time limits and minimum odds, so always read these beforehand.
Massachusetts Odds Boosts
MA sports betting sites offer odds boosts to enhance the potential payout of a bet. With better odds, players can boost their winnings. These offers are usually available for a limited time and linked to specific events.
Massachusetts Parlay Insurance
With parlay insurance, Massachusetts online sports betting sites will offer you the value of your parlay as a free bet if one of the legs is unsuccessful. You can then use these free bets on any market on your sportsbook.
How to Register with Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sites
Massachusetts online sports betting sites usually have a simple registration process, meaning you can be placing wagers on your favorite sports teams and leagues in no time. Follow our step-by-step guide below to get started.
- Choose one of our recommended Massachusetts online sports betting site and head to the sign-up page from our guide.
- Input personal details like your name, address, email address, and the last four digits of your social security number.
- If you have an MA promo code, enter it in the box provided to claim a welcome bonus.
- Agree to the site’s terms and conditions to confirm your registration.
- Once registration is confirmed, add funds to your account by heading to the cashier. Choose a preferred payment method and deposit amount, and follow the instructions to complete the transactions.
- After your deposit has been confirmed, head back to the home page, browse your MA sportsbook’s available markets, add a bet to your slip, choose your stake, and place a bet.
- If you’re a winner, withdraw your winnings by returning to the cashier section, choosing a banking option, and following the withdrawal instructions.
Sports betting legislation in MA requires that sportsbooks verify that users are within state lines. Therefore, while using Massachusetts betting apps, you’ll be asked to enable your geolocation, which will be prompted when you load the app, and can also be turned on in your device settings. On a desktop, you will be asked to enable IP tracking.
Operators are also required to prevent fraud and underage gambling, which is why sports betting sites ask you to upload copies of photo ID, proof of address, and proof of payment method to verify your identity. Verification usually takes a few days, during which you’ll be unable to make withdrawals. However, you can still deposit and place bets.
Massachusetts Betting Apps on Mobile
Massachusetts betting app | iOS rating | Android rating |
DraftKings | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
FanDuel | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
Caesars | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
BetMGM | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
WynnBET | 3.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
Barstool | 4.7/5 | 3.0/5 |
Massachusetts Online and Mobile Sports Betting
Gone are the days when Massachusetts sports bettors would have to travel to Nevada to place sports bets. Bay Staters can now place bets on many different sports from the comfort of their own home. There are other ways to place online wagers, and we’ve outlined the main ways to place sports bets below.
Desktop Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Several different online sportsbooks operate in Massachusetts, and each has a great desktop site that gives an enjoyable sports betting experience. All good online Massachusetts sportsbooks are easy to navigate, which makes betting from the comfort of your home quick and straightforward for both experts and novices.
Mobile Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Betting on the move has never been easier, as each Massachusetts online sports betting site offers mobile wagering. There are two ways in which you can place mobile sports bets.
Firstly, all sportsbooks provide a native Massachusetts betting app you can download for iOS or Android. With an app you’ll get excellent connectivity and user experience; this is the best way to place a sports bet in Massachusetts.
Alternatively, you can place bets through a mobile browser if you don’t want to download an app. Each sportsbook offers an HTML5 responsive site that is super easy to use for on-the-go betting.
Payment Methods in Massachusetts
Funding your betting account and (hopefully) withdrawing your winnings couldn’t be easier, as the best Massachusetts online sports betting sites accept various popular and trusted payment methods. Read our guide to some common banking options below.
- Bank Cards: Most Massachusetts betting apps and sites accept debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, which offer some of the most secure transactions for deposits and withdrawals. However, banks outside of legal sports betting states may block transactions from bank cards to gambling sites.
- Wire Transfer: Wiring money directly from your bank account is one of the most secure payment methods around, but withdrawals take a little longer. Most transactions will be completed in a few business days.
- E-Wallets: Extremely popular with MA bettors, e-wallets like Skrill, Paypal, and Neteller offer some of the fastest withdrawal times, with payments completed within hours.
- Prepaid Cards: Services like Play+ and PayNearMe offer deposits to MA sportsbooks through a prepayment card at main street stores like CVS and Walmart.
- Casino Cage: Some sportsbooks allow you to make deposits and withdrawals at a land-based partner casino cage or retail sportsbook.
Responsible Gambling in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission operates a state-wide self-exclusion policy that allows gamblers to exclude themselves from all gambling activities. This includes Massachusetts online sports betting, retail sportsbooks, and casino gambling.
In addition to this, online sports betting companies in MA have to offer a variety of different responsible gambling options. These include deposit limits, bankroll management tools, and cool-off periods.
Massachusetts Responsible Gambling Resources
- Massachusetts National Council for Problem Gambling
(800) 426-1234 - Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health
(800) 426-1234
Teams to Bet on in Massachusetts
Pro Sports
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots dominated the NFL in the 2000s, winning six Super Bowl titles between 2001 and 2018. After a relatively unsuccessful first 30 years in the NFL, the partnership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady would dominate the title landscape from 2001 until Brady’s departure in 2019. The Patriots play home games at the 66,000-seat Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers as the winningest team in the history of the NBA, with 17 NBA titles. The Celtics-Lakers rivalry from the 1960s to the 1980s is considered one of the greatest rivalries in the history of all sports.
The Celtics last won a championship in 2008 but came close in recent years, winning a conference title in 2022. Boston plays its home games at the raucous, 20,000-capacity TD Garden.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox is one of the most famous sports franchises in the world and plays games at the equally renowned Fenway Park.
In its history, the Red Sox won nine World Series titles, but after winning the fifth title in 1918 had to wait for 86 years between drinks of champagne. This drought was attributed to the Red Sox selling Babe Ruth to rival New York Yankees, starting the famous ‘Curse of the Bambino’ that would haunt the Boston club for the rest of the 20th century.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins have a long and storied history befitting their status as the oldest NHL team in the US. As of 2023, Bruins have won six Stanley Cups and 27 Conference Championships. The Bruins have retired 12 numbers, including Cam Neely, Ray Bourque, and all-time great Bobby Orr.
College Sports
Boston College Eagles
Boston College sponsors 29 varsity teams that compete in the
Atlantic Coast Conference. The Eagles have a rich history in hockey, winning five National Championships, and have produced several notable NFL players, including Doug Flutie, Luke Kuechly, and Matt Ryan.
Flutie’s heroics against Miami in 1984, throwing a hail mary winning pass in the final seconds of a football game between the two schools, caused an uptick in admissions and gave rise to the so-called “Flutie Effect,” where schools with successful sports programs increase admissions.
Boston University Terriers
The Terriers compete in the Patriot League on behalf of Boston University. The school has won seven National Championships, two in women’s rowing and five in men’s hockey. The Terriers are cheered on by their mascot Rhett, the Boston Terrier, named after Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind.
Harvard Crimson
Harvard University sponsors 42 varsity teams – more than any other school in the country. The Crimson has won over 150 National Championships, but the majority date back to the early 1900s and earlier. Recent successes for the Ivy League school have been winning National Titles in hockey, women’s lacrosse, fencing, and rowing.
Holy Cross Crusaders
Holy Cross Crusaders represent the College of the Holy Cross in the Patriot League. While recent successes have been sparse, the Crusaders have an impressive sporting pedigree. They are among only 10 schools to have won an NCAA title in basketball and baseball in 1947 and 1952, respectively. Its men’s basketball team has earned 13 berths in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
UMass Minutemen and Minutewomen
The Minutemen participate in the Atlantic 10 Conference and represent the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The Minutemen have been competing in varsity basketball since 1900 and enjoy an annual rivalry match with Boston College called the ‘Commonwealth Classic.’ The most famous basketball alum is Hall of Famer ‘Dr. J’ Julius Erving.
Merrimack Warriors
Merrimack Warriors have 22 varsity teams that represent Merrimack University. The college has recently obtained NCAA Division I status and, unsurprisingly, has yet to achieve any success. The school has won titles at the Division II level, claiming national championships in hockey, lacrosse, and softball.
Northeastern Huskies
The Huskies represent Northeastern University in the NCAA Division I’s Colonial Athletic Association. The school plays hockey games in the Matthews Arena. This 4,700-seat arena lays claim to being the oldest indoor hockey arena in the world, having been built in 1910. The Huskies have won dozens of conference championships, but a National Championship continues to elude the school.
Stonehill Skyhawks
The Skyhawks represent Stonehill College in the Northeast Conference. The school is a relative newcomer to NCAA Division I, joining in 2022. Fans watch the purple and white teams compete in 23 varsity events, cheered on by Ace the Hawk.
UMass Lowell River Hawks
The University of Massachusetts Lowell has 16 varsity teams competing in the America East Conference. The River Hawks competed at the Division II level until 2013, amassing seven D2 National Championships. The exception is the hockey program, which has competed at the Division I level since 1983. The River Hawks hockey team regularly features in the NCAA Tournament.
Types of Bets in Massachusetts
There are many types of bets available at Massachusetts online sports betting sites, including moneylines, point spreads, total bets, and props. Massachusetts betting apps will provide these markets on all major league sports, but some restrictions on collegiate betting in-state apply. We’ve explained the most common bet types below.
- Moneylines: This is the simplest bet type for players in MA, in which bettors predict the winner of a sporting event.
- Point Spreads: With a point spread bet, your sportsbook will place a handicap on the favored team. To win the bet, you must accurately predict the outcome after the handicap has been applied to the result.
- Totals: Sometimes called over/under bets, a Massachusetts online sports betting site will apply a bet line to a particular statistic, like goals in a Bruins game. For your bet to pay out, you must predict whether the total statistic will be over or under the line.
- Player props: Predict whether a player will reach above or below a total statistic, like a Celtics player reaching a certain number of points.
- Team props: Like player props, to win a team prop bet you must predict whether the total number of a particular statistic will be above or below the line set by your sportsbook.
- Parlays: A parlay combines multiple wagers, known as legs, into a single bet, multiplying the odds together. For your parlay bet to be successful, each prediction must be correct.
- Futures: These bets are placed on significant events in the future, like New England Revolution to win MLS Cup.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Locations
Operating Partner | Venue | Address |
WynnBET | Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 |
BetMGM | MGM Springfield | One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103 |
Barstool | Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762 |
Massachusetts Lottery Locations
Lawmakers established the Massachusetts Lottery in 1971, and players aged 18 or over can buy tickets. You can purchase these tickets from over 7,500 retail locations around the state, but lottery tickets are unavailable online. There is no plan to make sports betting kiosks available in lottery locations, as HB5164 doesn’t cover this option.
How does Massachusetts Compare to Other States?
Market Coverage
Sportsbooks in Massachusetts offer excellent coverage for bettors. Several of the biggest online sportsbooks in the country operate in Massachusetts, and these sportsbooks provide a great range of sports to bet on.
Markets like moneylines, totals, and parlays are available at most sportsbooks, and you can place wagers on NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, soccer, MMA, NASCAR, tennis, golf, and more.
Massachusetts bettors can wager on NCAA sports, but betting on in-state college teams and player prop bets is prohibited. The ban on in-state collegiate betting is lifted if a Massachusetts team reaches the postseason.
Competitive Odds and Prices
There are three retail sportsbooks and multiple online sportsbooks available in MA, so, unsurprisingly, these sites provide great odds for customers. Many sportsbooks have sponsorship agreements with local sports teams, which can often result in great promotions and betting odds.
Gambling Revenue
The state taxes online sports betting revenue at 20% and retail sports betting revenue 15%. Massachusetts is almost identical to Tennessee in population, and Tennessee also levies 20% on online sports betting.
Since its launch in 2019, Tennessee has accepted over $5 billion in sports bets and generated over $74 million in tax revenue. Most analysts consider Massachusetts a more lucrative market than Tennessee, and as such, most expect these numbers to be better as the market develops.
Betting Taxes
You are required to pay tax on sports betting winnings in Massachusetts. You must declare all winnings to the IRS on your tax return, but you can deduct betting losses from betting winnings.
If you win over $600, you must complete a W-2G form. Sportsbooks can withhold up to 25% of your winnings as tax. You must also disclose betting winnings on your state tax return, and Massachusetts natives must pay state income tax at a 6.25% flat rate.
Massachusetts DFS
Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Massachusetts due to a law that legislators passed in 2018. This is not surprising, given the DFS giant DraftKings was founded in the Bay State. Massachusetts is one of the largest DFS markets in the US, with approximately 7% of all DFS entries emanating from the state.
Best Online Sports Betting Site in Massachusetts
Deciding the best Massachusetts online sports betting site is tricky because there are so many top-quality sites available. However, our experts believe that DraftKings stands above the competition on its home turf. You can use DraftKings to bet on sports, play free prize pool games, and its DFS options through its excellent mobile and desktop platforms.
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