Massachusetts Sports Betting: Best Legal Sportsbooks

Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Yes. Governor Charlie Baker signed the Massachusetts sports betting law in August 2022 after lengthy negotiations between the House and Senate. Retail sportsbooks at the state's casinos opened on 31 January 2023, and mobile betting launched on 10 March 2023, in time for March Madness. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates the market, and the minimum age is 21.

The Commission is one of the more hands-on regulators in the country, with public meetings on everything from advertising standards to individual betting markets.

BetMGM and other Massachusetts sportsbooks

Of the three sportsbooks we review, only BetMGM is licensed in Massachusetts. BetMGM is also linked to MGM Springfield, one of the state's three casinos. bet365 and BetRivers are not currently available, so Massachusetts bettors who want to compare lines will be choosing between BetMGM and the other licensed apps.

Geolocation is required for every bet. Residents near the New Hampshire, Rhode Island or Connecticut borders should make sure their device places them on the Massachusetts side.

Strict rules on college betting and payments

Massachusetts bans betting on its own college teams, such as Boston College, UMass and Harvard, except when they are playing in a tournament involving four or more teams. Player props on college athletes are not offered at all. The law also prohibits funding sportsbook accounts with credit cards, so you will need to use a debit card, bank transfer or another approved method.

Gambling winnings are taxable under Massachusetts income tax as well as federal tax.

Retail betting is available at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville. The Gaming Commission has also been active on advertising, pressing operators to limit marketing that reaches under-21s and to tone down promotional language, so welcome offers in Massachusetts can look more restrained than in neighbouring states.

Boston sports and getting help

Few cities have enjoyed as much recent success as Boston, with the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins all winning championships this century. That passionate fan base makes Massachusetts one of the more active betting markets in the Northeast, and New England's loyalty to its teams means local sides attract heavy one-way action on big game days.

The Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-327-5050, and the state's GameSense programme offers advice at casinos and online. Licensed apps must provide deposit limits and a voluntary self-exclusion option.