Massachusetts Sports Betting
Sports betting has finally arrived in the Bay State. After passing the bill into law in August of 2022, both retail and online sports betting will be live in Massachusetts in early 2023

Retail sports betting launched in Mass on January 31st, 2023, and online sports betting is not far behind, with an anticipated launch in March of 2023.
Massachusetts is the 15th most populous state, with over 7 million residents. The state is home to some of the most iconic franchises in American sports and figures to be a hub for enthusiastic sports bettors. Top industry names are already honing in, applying for licenses as they look to capitalize on the potential.
Keep reading this guide for the latest details on legal online sports betting in MA, featuring the state market for sports betting, the available sportsbooks, the future of sports betting in MA, potential hurdles, and a timeline of events. We will also dive into how you can open a sportsbook account and begin wagering on your favorite teams.
The legal situation on Massachusetts sports betting
Sports betting was passed into law in August of 2022 with overwhelming bipartisan support passing by a 36-4 margin. This has cleared the way for the launch of some big-name sportsbooks set to launch operations in early 2023.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has been tasked with overseeing licensing for both retail and online operators in the state. Other logistics that need to be hammered out during a new state launch include tax rates, allocation of funds, and specific sports betting laws.
Some important takeaways here include:
- Online sportsbooks will be taxed at 20%, and retail sportsbooks will be taxed at 15%
- Both retail and online sportsbooks can launch under a temporary license for $1 million. A permanent license will cost $5 million, renewable every five years
- Up to seven standalone licenses will be granted to sportsbooks unaffiliated with casinos or racetracks
- Category 1 license holders can run operations out of a retail location and up to two online platforms (Category 3)
What have been the hurdles for legal sports betting in MA
After sailing through the legislature, Massachusetts has proceeded at a relatively quick pace relative to other states.
It took 183 days from signing the bill into law, to the launch of retail locations on January 31st. Online betting figures to launch a little more than 200 days after legalization.
Here is how sports betting has progressed in other high-profile states:
- Iowa - 89 days
- Indiana - 116 days
- Pennsylvania - 185 days
- New York -264 days
- Ohio- 374 days
- Tennessee 489
Aside from determining where gambling revenue would be distributed throughout the state, another hang-up during MA legalization came with wagering on college sports. Ultimately the compromise allowed for Mass customers to bet on college sports, but they cannot wager on in-state teams unless they are playing in major tournaments.
What is the Sports Betting Market in Massachusetts
While they rank 15th in population size, Massachusetts includes some of the most boisterous and hardcore sports fans in the nation. Boston was the sports capital of the nation for a few years in the mid-2000s capturing at least one title in all four major sports.
Here are the most prominent franchises in the state:
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
What will be the tax situation in MA
The sports betting tax rate in Massachusetts is 15% for retail sportsbooks and 20% for online sportsbooks. While this is higher than many states, it is significantly lower than notable rates in New York and Pennsylvania.
What sportsbooks will be available in Mass
With online sports betting fast approaching in MA, the list of legal operators in the state is beginning to round into form, with licenses granted to several notable industry names. The list thus far includes
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- PointsBet
- Barstool
- Bally Bet
- BetRivers
Forecasts about the future of online gambling in Massachusetts
There is a reason for optimism, as sports betting in Massachusetts is forecasted to generate millions for the state annually in the years to come.
With a combination of top-flight industry operators and a passionate and knowledgeable fanbase, sports betting in MA is poised to flourish, providing customers with a flexible range of betting options.
While online sports betting will be massive in the Bay State, several retail locations will also provide casino gambling options. The list of authorized locations includes
- MGM Springfield - Springfield
- Encore Boston Harbor - Everett
- Plainridge Park Casino - Plainville
Timeline of main events in Mass
- Early March 2023: Online sports betting set to launch
- January 31, 2023: Retail sports betting goes live
- January 19, 2023: Six Online Sportsbooks are granted licenses by the MGC (DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, Betway, Bally Bet, Betr)
- December 13, 2022: WynnBet becomes the first authorized legal sportsbook in Massachusetts
- August 1, 2022: MA legislature passes sports betting law, clearing the stage for legal retail and online betting in the state
How do I start betting online in MA when it is legal?
Signing up at an online sportsbook in Massachusetts is easy and straightforward. You should start by familiarizing yourself with the online operators in the state and scanning some reviews to see which sportsbook best aligns with your betting interests.
From there, all you need to do is download the mobile app and select ”sign-up.” You will be prompted to submit some personal details to confirm your identity and eligibility, such as your
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Personal Verification Information (tax state, utility bill etc.)
You will also need to enable geolocation so that the operator can confirm you are physically located in MA.
Once all of this is verified, you will get a confirmation email, at which point you can make your first deposit, claim a new user bonus, and start betting.
FAQ
Who will regulate legal online sports betting in MA?
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) will regulate and oversee all sports betting in the state.
Will the odds be the same while betting in Massachusetts as in any other state?
For the most part, yes. If a sportsbook in MA has the same brand as in another state, such as BetMGM Massachusetts and BetMGM Pennsylvania, the odds will be exactly the same. If the brand is different, such as BetMGM MA and FanDuel PA, the odds may be slightly different.
Is sports betting in Massachusetts expected to launch soon, and when?
Retail sports betting launched on January 31st, with legal sports betting in multiple locations. Presently online sports betting is slated to launch in early March.
Will there be differences between sports betting in Massachusetts compared to any other state?
Any differences will be very slight. The most noticeable is that you can not wager on in-state collegiate teams unless they are playing in a tournament (i.e, NCAAB Tournament).
How old will you need to be for online sports betting in MA?
You will need to be at least 21 years of age to wager on sports in the Bay State.
Will there be retail sportsbooks available in Massachusetts?
Yes, in-person retail sportsbooks launched in MA on January 31st
Once sports betting is legal in MA can I access the site out of the state?
Yes. You can access your MA online sportsbook account from out of state, but you must be in a legal betting state to make wagers. However, you can check odds out of state, make deposits and withdrawals, and contact customer service.
Will I need to be a resident of Massachusetts to wager at MA sportsbooks?
No. You do not need to be a Mass resident to wager at MA online sportsbooks, but you must be located within state lines.