is sports betting legal in Massachusetts
Yes, sports betting online and in-person are now legal in Massachusetts! Former Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5164 into law August 10, 2022, after it was amended from its previous version (HB 2993). The first retail sportsbook opened in January of 2023, and online sports betting launched March 10, just in time for March Madness.
Unlike other nearby states like New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island, NFL Draft bets are indeed allowed in Massachusetts. That means you can bet on the next Patriots draft pick if you’re located within the Massachusetts state borders. Wagering on eSports or in-state college teams isn’t allowed unless it’s during March Madness.
Massachusetts Quick Facts
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Launch Date: March 2023 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 years old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: No
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: No
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ImageBest Available Sportsbook: FanDuel
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ImageRegulatory Body: Massachusetts Gaming Commission
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ImageLegal online sportsbooks: 7
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Yes, but betting on in-state teams isn’t permitted unless it’s a large event like March Madness
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ImagePolitical or Entertainment betting: No
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ImageHigh School Sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports Betting: No
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ImageNFL Draft: Yes
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ImageRemote registration: Yes
Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News
Massachusetts path to legalized sports betting hit a snag in 2022 when the house and senate couldn’t agree on whether or not to allow wagers on college athletics, but eventually a bill was passed and signed into law by former Governor Charlie Baker who, four months later, took a job as the president of the NCAA.
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july 23, 2021
HB 2993, which would legalize sports betting, passes in the house by a vote of 156-3 .
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april 28, 2022
HB 2993 is amended and passed by the senate. Amendments included a ban on collegiate sports betting and sports betting ads during professional sports broadcasts. The bill, with amendments, was sent back to the house.
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may 17, 2022
The house rejects the amended version on HB 2993.
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july 28, 2022
Gov. Baker publicly states his desire to pass a sports betting bill before the legislative session ends.
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august 1, 2022
HB 3993 becomes HB 5164 after amendments are made with a compromise on college sports (collegiate betting is allowed in the postseason). The new bill passes in the House (151-2) and the Senate (36-4).
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august 10, 2022
Gov. Baker signs HB. 5164 which officially made sports betting (online and retail) legal in the state.
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january 31, 2023
Retail sports betting officially launched.
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march 10, 2023
Online sports betting officially launched.
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june 19, 2024
Massachusetts expands its betting catalogue to include the Ladies European Tour and Ladies Professional Golf Association.
how to start betting in massachusetts
Getting started betting in Massachusetts is straight-forward because remote registration is legal, meaning bettors don’t need to leave their house. Massachusetts sports bettors can download their favorite app on their phone, verify their identity, deposit and start betting right away. There are also three locations (MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park, Encore Boston Harbor) in the state to bet in person.
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select a sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
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create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
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deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
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choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow you to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
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place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other mobile sportsbooks to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
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withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
Massachusetts sports fans have one team in each of the four major sports to bet on and each one has had success recently. The Celtics are fresh off their NBA finals win, and while the Patriots are in rebuilding mode, they’ve won enough Super Bowls in the last 25 years to keep their fans content.
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ImageNHL – Boston Bruins: The Bruins’ season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes a deep run in the playoffs – which it has in recent seasons. The Bruins play at TD Garden Arena and have won six Stanley Cups, the most recent of which came in 2011.
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ImageNFL – New England Patriots: The Patriots have been the most successful Massachusetts team recently, winning nine AFC championships and six Super Bowls since 2001 under quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots’ season goes from September through mid-January, but this team has made the postseason nearly every season under Belichick except 2023 – leading to his dismissal. New England plays at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.
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ImageNBA – Boston Celtics: Arguably the most successful NBA franchise, the Celtics have won 18 NBA titles and are the defending NBA champions. Boston made the NBA Finals in 2022, but lost to the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics’ season runs from October to April, but they are usually in the playoffs. This past season, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led a Celtics team that had the NBA’s best record en route to a championship. They play at TD Garden Arena.
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ImageMLB – Boston Red Sox: The former lovable losers of Major League Baseball, the Red Sox famously hadn’t won a World Series since 1918 until they broke the Bambino Curse in 2004. Since then, they have won three more titles, most recently in 2018. Their season runs from late March to September. They play at Fenway Park in Boston, the same stadium they have played in since 1912.
USA Betting News
responsible gaming message from massachusetts
The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (MACGH) was founded to help those struggling with gambling addiction. Their website (https://macgh.org/) features a live chat option and several resources for people who need help. MACGH also offers resources that help with understanding gambling problems and determining if you or a loved one should be concerned. Massachusetts offers a voluntary self exclusion list for those needing help setting boundaries with gambling.