In a state that lives and breathes sports, the arrival of legalized online sports betting in 2023 felt less like a shift and more like a natural evolution. With licensed platforms now up and running, Massachusetts bettors finally have the chance to place real-money wagers in a secure, state-regulated environment.
Last updated: 26 August 2025, 02:26PM
On this page, we’ll break down the best betting sites in Massachusetts, go over key promos, and explain popular betting markets to give you the full picture of online betting in MA, plus insight into taxes, apps, and more. Let’s kick things off with our picks for top online sportsbooks in Massachusetts today.
Not every MA betting site earns a spot on our list. Our expert review team has spent hours digging into each site’s terms to finalize the top picks. Here's the exact process we use to separate the dependable platforms from the rest:
If a sportsbook doesn’t have proper licensing, you’re one click away from sending your money into the void. This is why we only recommend operators verified by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. That stamp of approval means your funds are protected, rules are enforced, and there’s a proper channel to resolve disputes if things go sideways.
Without real security, you're gambling more than just your bet; you're risking your personal and financial data. That’s why we dig into each site’s protection tools from SSL encryption and secure logins to real-time account alerts. If there’s any red flag, it's a hard no for us.
Bonuses with confusing terms or early expiration dates might as well not exist. That's why we look at the terms, not just the dollar amount, ensuring that MA sportsbook promos you claim genuinely offer value instead of false hope.
Getting poor odds on your bets is a guaranteed way to lose more over time. We compare odds across different sports and bet types, because a small difference on the line can add up over time. Choosing a sportsbook with consistently competitive odds is key to long-term betting success.
When a betting site lags, glitches, or hides its support options behind menus, it can directly impact your ability to place winning bets. This is why our team tests desktop and mobile navigation, payout speed, customer support, and bet placement to know what the site feels like.
A weak betting menu doesn’t just limit how you bet; it also limits what you can bet on. This is why we look closely at both the range of sports and the types of bets available. A strong sportsbook should give Massachusetts bettors the freedom to explore new angles, rather than just sticking to the basics.
Massachusetts finally joined the legal sports betting scene in early 2023, ending years of discussion and turning it into a real option for fans. The turning point? The federal government’s repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a 1992 law struck down in 2018.
But, it wasn’t until August 2022 that the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act, also known as H5164, was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker, opening the door for both retail and online sportsbooks. Regulated by the Massachusetts Gambling Control Unit, the state now supports 12 licensed operators offering a variety of betting options to residents.
May 14, 2018 – The Supreme Court overturns PASPA, giving states the right to legalize betting.
July 2018 – A sports betting bill is introduced in Massachusetts, but it doesn't move forward.
August 2022 – Lawmakers pass the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act, paving the way for regulated betting.
January 2023 – The first in-person sportsbook launches in the state and starts accepting bets.
March 2023 – Online sportsbooks receive licenses, expanding access statewide.
Present Day – More than 10 licensed sportsbooks now operate legally under state regulation.
In Massachusetts, the legal gambling age is 21 years old, and operators must clearly display “21 and over” signage. Betting on college teams is allowed but limited to major tournaments, while horse race wagering is available through licensed venues. Certain wager types, including prop bets on college athletes, are prohibited to maintain the integrity of youth sports.
June 15, 2025 – Bally Bet launched its Massachusetts sportsbook app, expanding market options amid regulatory discussions focused on player protection and responsible gaming initiatives.
July 29, 2025 – The Massachusetts Gaming Commission fined DraftKings $450,000 for repeatedly allowing credit card deposits despite explicit state bans. The operator must refund affected customers and undergo an independent audit.
August 1, 2025 – The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported a $628.2 million sports betting handle for July, with DraftKings and FanDuel capturing nearly 80% of revenue, though overall activity showed a slight decline.
If you win on a bet in Massachusetts, the federal government will usually withhold 24% of your gambling winnings, similar to how lottery prizes are taxed. While the state doesn’t tax these winnings directly, you're still expected to report them on your federal return if they meet IRS thresholds.
On the operator side, online betting sites pay a 20 tax on their gross betting revenue, while retail sportsbooks are taxed at 15. This is handled by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and that revenue goes toward state programs and oversight.
Online Sports Betting Launch | March 10, 2023 |
Retail Sports Betting Launch | January 31, 2023 |
Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
Licensing Authority | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
Sports Betting Apps (Online) | Yes |
Online Sports Betting | Yes |
Retail Sports Betting | Yes |
Online Casinos (iGaming) | No |
Remote Registration | Yes |
Esports Betting | No |
College Sports Betting | Yes – no prop bets on individual college athletes |
State Population | ~7.0 million |
2024 Betting Handle | $6.81 billion |
Tax Rate on Winnings | 24% federal withholding; no additional state tax |
Operator Tax Rate | 20 on taxable revenue for online sportsbooks; 15 for retail |
A good bonus won’t win you the Super Bowl, but it might stretch your bankroll through Week 1. Here's a breakdown of what to expect from Massachusetts sports betting promos and how to tell the good offers from the junk:
Most of the top sportsbooks in Massachusetts offer a deposit match, bonus bets, or both as a signup bonus to help you get started. While these offers are extremely common, they’re not always as generous as they seem. We look for promos with clear rollover terms, no weird restrictions, and actual value that lasts beyond your first wager.
You’ve probably seen the “Bet $5, Get $200” offers on most MA online sports betting sites, as they're easy to trigger; just place a qualifying bet, and you’ll receive site credits, win or lose. However, those credits aren’t withdrawable, and you only keep the profit. Good offers come with fewer restrictions and longer expiration windows, especially for newer bettors trying to build early momentum.
Sometimes, MA sportsbooks will hand you a small bonus just for signing up, no deposit needed. It’s a good way to poke around a platform without risking real money, but there’s usually a cap on how much you can win. We check whether these offers convert into real-money bets or just serve as bait.
Odds boosts can genuinely add value, especially when you were planning to make the bet anyway, for example, boosting the Patriots' moneyline from +120 to +150. The best MA betting apps and sites tend to offer daily boosts focused on local teams or headline matchups. They're useful, but often come with max wager limits or can’t be combined with other promos.
If you're betting consistently, loyalty programs can quietly build value over time. Some of the best operators in Massachusetts have broader rewards systems like Caesars Rewards or MGM’s program, where your points can lead to free bets, hotel perks, or even status upgrades. We give extra credit to platforms where placing bets, even in small amounts, earns you something you can actually use.
Certain sports naturally dominate betting activity at Massachusetts sportsbooks, especially when hometown teams are in form or playoff-bound. However, it’s not just the top professional divisions in the US; many bettors are also exploring international and local tournaments. Here is a breakdown of the popular teams:
Betting on the New England Patriots is almost a weekly ritual in Massachusetts. Even in transitional years, locals have backed their team by exploring popular betting markets like team totals and first-half spreads, especially during divisional matchups. In the 2024–25 NFL season, MA bettors placed around $540 million in bets on pro football, showing just how much the team matters to the fans and locals.
As football season winds down, Celtics games become a major driver of action across MA sportsbooks online. Bettors tend to focus on the NBA spread, especially when Jayson Tatum is in form or matchups that hint at a close finish. NBA point totals often see the most movement during home games, particularly when Boston goes on one of those third-quarter runs that seem to flip betting momentum in real time.
For many Massachusetts residents, baseball is still an everyday habit, especially when Boston’s Red Sox are in form. As one of the longest-running American League franchise clubs, the Sox draw both sentimental bets and sharper plays. Here are the most common bet types on MLB:
First‑inning scoring/Natural Run First Inning props
Inning‑by‑inning run totals
Projected pitcher strikeout props and first‑five innings bets
There’s no shortage of loyalty when it comes to NHL sports teams in the league, but in Massachusetts, the Bruins carry the banner. Their strong finish last season kept them top of mind on nearly every Massachusetts sportsbook, especially during rivalry matchups and road games.
Popular NHL betting patterns in Massachusetts include:
Puck line swings during live in-game markets
Goalie save props
Prop bets for NHL games tied to first scorers and special teams units
Massachusetts betting law doesn’t allow wagering on in-state college teams like the Boston College Eagles or UMass, unless they’re part of a tournament. That’s why March Madness becomes the standout college betting event; punters from MA focus more on national programs like UConn, Duke, and Michigan State. Without local bets available, many fans follow professional teams from top leagues for the rest of the year.
Tennis has quietly built a loyal betting base in Massachusetts, especially among those who prefer year-round sports to bet on. While match betting during Grand Slams like Wimbledon and the US Open pulls the most volume, there’s growing interest in Set betting too, as more bettors pay close attention to the surface types, weather, and momentum shifts during live matches.
Massachusetts legalized Daily fantasy sports betting back in 2016, with some of the strictest rules around. You must be 21 or older to play, and betting on amateur or local college teams isn’t allowed. Plus, all platforms have to register officially under state DFS rules (940 CMR 34.00), which might explain why you don’t see as many newcomers.
Several top sportsbooks in MA, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and PrizePicks, offer various daily fantasy contests. You pick your lineup within a salary cap, and your team’s success depends on real player stats, not just final scores.
To get started with DFS in Massachusetts, follow these steps:
Create an account on a licensed platform and verify your age.
Deposit funds into your DFS account to enter contests.
Choose your contest type, such as head-to-head matchups or large tournament pools.
Build your lineup by selecting players within the salary cap limit.
Monitor results based on your players’ real-life performances.
Getting started with a Massachusetts sportsbook is easier than it looks. Follow these quick steps and start betting today:
First, pick an online sportsbook from the MA betting sites listed on this page and create your account.
Next, you’ll verify your identity by uploading a valid photo ID. Keep your ID handy and ensure your device location is on, since the sportsbook needs to confirm you’re physically in the state.
Once you’re verified, head to the cashier and deposit funds using an accepted payment method like debit card, PayPal, or online bank transfer. Note that credit cards usually aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.
Then, browse through the available sports and betting markets to find an event or team you want to wager on. Take your time to review the odds and pick a bet type that feels right for you.
Finally, enter your wager amount and double-check your selections before confirming the bet. After that, you’re all set, just sit back and enjoy the game, knowing you’ve made your first legal bet in the online betting scene in MA with confidence.
Mobile sports betting is entirely legal in Massachusetts, and it’s how most locals prefer to place bets. If you’re 21 or older and physically located in the state, you can legally download and use betting apps from your phone or tablet.
Here are our picks for top mobile betting apps in MA:
DraftKings Sportsbook App – Based in Boston, it’s known for one of the smoothest and most intuitive user experiences in the market.
FanDuel Sportsbook App – Stands out for lightning-fast navigation and top-tier live betting features, especially during high-stakes games.
BetMGM Sportsbook App – Offers unique flexibility with its Edit My Bet tool and highly rewarding ongoing promotions.
If you're new to this, the process is simple: download the app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account, and verify your identity. Depositing funds is quick, and most apps let you set spending limits for safer betting.
It took longer than many expected, but when Massachusetts legalized sports betting, it did so with intent. With a dozen licensed sportsbooks already operational, the betting scene feels built for locals who actually know their sports.
However, the market is still young and could benefit from a broader variety in betting options and enhanced player protections as it matures. Keeping an eye on regulations and new sportsbook features will be essential for anyone wanting the best overall experience.
If you’re ready to bet smart and stay safe, scroll back up and check out our full list of the best Massachusetts sports betting sites. Every one of them is legal, regulated, and worth your time.
FAQs - Massachusetts Betting