Massachusetts currently prohibits real-money online casinos, but residents can engage in social online casinos like Funzpoints for unique slot games and sweepstakes. This overview considers the potential introduction of major online casino operators like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Casino in Massachusetts, reflecting the state’s slow approach towards legalizing online gambling.
Massachusetts Legal Online Gambling Overview
| Online casino | not legal |
| Sports betting | Not legal |
| Horse racing online betting | Legal |
| Poker | Not legal |
| Sweepstakes Casinos | Chumba, High 5, WOW Vegas |
In some manners, gambling holds a rich history in the state of Massachusetts. For instance, land-based casinos were first legalized in 2011. Then again, the state didn’t opt to legalize sports betting until 2023.
Pari-mutuel wagering began in the state in 1934. Live racing continues today at Plainridge Park Racecourse, with simulcast wagering also available there and at other sites in the state. The Massachusetts state lottery was first drawn in 1971. Poker is available through the state’s land-based casinos. Daily fantasy sports have been legal in the state since 2016.
Massachusetts’ Best Gambling Sites
Sports betting was legalized in Massachusetts in August of 2022. The first brick and mortar retail sportsbooks opened for business in January of 2023. Online and mobile sports betting sites went live two months later.
Today, there are six sports betting apps operating in Massachusetts, including many of the major players in the US industry. Here’s a look at some of the most well-known options.
BetMGM Mass: As a newcomer to BetMGM, you can get up to $1,500 back in the form of bonus bets if your first bet with them doesn’t come through for you. Presenting a sleek site with a stellar mobile app, you’ll find the user experience at BetMGM to be impressive. There’s plenty of betting markets and bet types to access, and a number of ongoing promotional opportunities.
Caesars: Featuring an outstanding loyalty rewards program, a state of the art mobile app and live streaming of NFL games, Caesars has a lot to offer to Massachusetts players. A gambling super power, Caesars is known for a deep bench of live betting options. They offer new players a second chance bet of up to $1,000 if your first bet with them doesn’t cash as a winner.
FanDuel MA: The FanDuel mobile app may be the most user friendly in the industry. The depth of the FanDuel betting markets is also impressive. If they are playing the sport, it’s almost a certainty that you can get action on it through FanDuel. Their coverage of the NFL is especially strong, with thousands of bet types offered each week during the season.
DraftKings: Launched on March 7, 2023, Massachusetts became the 21st state with a DraftKings sportsbook. The library of bet types and odds offered via the DraftKings sportsbook are second to none. They present an easy to navigate site, provide a stellar mobile app and are quick to get odds on the board for upcoming events.
Massachusetts Online Casinos
Massachusetts currently houses three land-based casinos. There are two commercial casinos – Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield and – and one slots-only casino. It’s situated at Plainridge Park.
Currently, plans are in the works to add a pair of tribal casinos to the mix. However, there’s been no movement whatsoever in terms of legalizing online casinos in the Bay State.
You can play casino games in Massachusetts, but online casino in the state are not yet legal.
Much of Massachusetts’ famed landmarks were at least partially built on funds derived from gambling. To this day, the Old Colony State boasts a thriving gambling scene.
You can find classic casino games in Massachusetts, such as blackjack, poker rooms, and even a slot parlor, but you don’t have access to any legal state online casino sites.
While it’s legal to play casino games, you are only permitted to do so with land-based casinos, resorts, and parlors in the home of Harvard University.
Massachusetts Sweepstakes Online Casinos
Social online casinos like Funzpoints are available in Massachusetts. They offer unique slot games and sweepstakes, and players here appreciate the variety of games and the opportunities for social gaming.
Massachusetts online casino sites are illegal.
As it stands, Massachusetts hasn’t made online casino gaming legal, and so you’re currently not allowed to sign-up to and play at such gambling sites.
For as much as the Bay State is one of the more open to casino gaming, it continues to take a slow approach to introducing, establishing, and legalizing newly available forms of gambling.
MA Online Casino Sites/Apps Expected:
Based on the current laws in Massachusetts and the overall market in states nearby, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel are among the first casinos expected to go live in the state in 2024 or 2025.
- DraftKings Casino
- BetMGM Casino
- Caesars Casino
- FanDuel Casino
Best Online Casino Games in Massachusetts
Online casino games in Massachusetts are illegal.
As you’d expect from a state where online casino websites aren’t allowed, you aren’t presently permitted to play real-money online casino games in Massachusetts.
That said, the state is clearly quite open to all forms of casino games, with the resorts, slot parlors, and planned tribal casinos showcasing the whole range of land-based casino games.
For now, though, you can’t play at the best online casino in Massachusetts.
Best Online Casino Apps in Massachusetts
Massachusetts online casino apps are illegal.
Almost all reputable online casinos offer a mobile app that contains the majority of their games and promotions. However, as Massachusetts online casino sites haven’t been legalized, neither have mobile casino apps in the Bay State.
Some states appear to make a distinction between online casino in Massachusetts and mobile casino gaming, but usually, the two are bundled together if either form of remote gambling is legalized.
Bonuses in Massachusetts
Online casino bonuses in Massachusetts cannot be claimed right now.
As it’s illegal for you to sign-up and play with real money at an online casino in the region, you’re also not permitted to claim their welcome bonuses or promotions.
The top bonuses aren’t available in the state right now.
Until you’re allowed to play at an online casino in Massachusetts, you can’t claim the best bonuses on offer. Should the Bay State’s law change to allow online casinos, be sure to check back with Offers.bet to claim the best offers.
Top Land-based Casinos in Massachusetts
Casino games in Massachusetts can be played in several venues.
There’s still a lot to sort out if the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head are to get their casinos, but the state does have other venues.
In Everett, you’ll find the Encore Boston Harbour resort casino, with the MGM Springfield resort casino being all the way on the other side of the state. You can also find a slot parlor in Plainville.
Massachusetts Sweepstakes Casinos
There’s still a method to access online casino action in Massachusetts. Social casinos are legal in the state. Often referred to as sweepstakes casinos, you can play the same style of games you’d find in any casino for free, but you also won’t be winning any money. You play these for entertainment only games via gold coins. You’re able to get these for free, or you can choose to purchase gold coin packages if you so desire.
You can upgrade to play with sweeps coins and then exchange any winnings for prizes such as merchandise, gift cards, or even sums of cash.
You’ll need to be at least 18 years of age to play inside any of the following social casinos
BetRivers.net: The sister site to the BetRivers.com sportsbook and casino, along with social casino games, you can also virtually bet on sports with BetRivers.net. They offer more than 650 slots and in excess of 30 table games inside their social casino. Sports action offered includes moneylines, spreads, totals and futures.
WOW Vegas Casino: To be able to play their more than 800 casino games – all of them slots – the WOW Vegas Casino will start you out with 1.5 million WOW coins – their version of free play coins – and 35 sweepstakes coins absolutely free. Software providers to the WOW Vegas Casino include Pragmatic Play and Betsoft Gaming.
McLuck Casino: A relative newcomer to the social casino scene, the McLuck Casino launched in 2023. They offer the opportunity to play more than 500 games from a variety of leading developers. There are both slots and a live dealer studio to access. They’ll give you free gold coins for playing every time you login to the McLuck Casino.
What is the Legal Gambling Age in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts legal casino gambling age is 21-years-old.
To play casino games like slots, roulette, blackjack, or poker, you need to be at least 21-years-old in the state. For other Massachusetts gambling activities, like bingo and the lottery, you only need to be 18-years-old.
Tax When Gambling in Massachusetts
Winnings from casinos in Massachusetts are included in your state and federal income returns.
If you win anything at the casinos in Massachusetts, you must declare them as taxable income on your federal return to the IRS and your state return.
Get some more of your Massachusetts casino gaming questions answered right here!
The IRS considers your gambling winnings as taxable income at a flat rate of 24 percent.
The state of Massachusetts considers your gambling winnings as a part of your gross income, making wins taxable to a rate of five percent.
When will the Massachusetts tribal casino open?
The First Light Casino project in Taunton is back on, but an opening date is yet to be confirmed.
Is gambling legal in MA?
While sports betting has not been made legal in Massachusetts, it is clear that it has not stopped residents wagering in neighboring states. New Hampshire is a major beneficiary, with 28 percent of DraftKings Super Bowl betting from Massachusetts zip codes.
Where in MA can I get help with problem gambling?
Gambling is enjoyable for many but for some it can lead down a destructive road affecting their personal lives. If you have a problem, or if a friend of relative is struggling, help is available. Massachusetts – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).
State-by-State Online Gambling Resources
Here are the links to information about online casinos and gambling sites in various states:
Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
