Massachusetts Sports
Betting Guide
Your complete, independent guide to legal sports betting in the Bay State. Compare all 7 licensed sportsbooks, claim the best bonuses, and start betting responsibly.
Best Massachusetts Sportsbooks
All 7 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Massachusetts, independently reviewed and ranked. Each operator is regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and fully legal for anyone 21+ within state lines.
DraftKings
Hometown Hero- Boston-based company — hometown favorite
- Launched day one March 2023
- Top-rated app in Massachusetts
- Leader in MA market share
FanDuel
Mobile Experience- Official Boston Bruins partner
- Launched March 2023 without retail
- Best same-game parlay builder
- Intuitive mobile interface
BetMGM
Highest Bonus- MGM Springfield retail partner
- MGM Rewards integration
- Strong NFL markets
- Launched March 2023
Caesars Sportsbook
Loyalty Rewards- Strong daily boosts and promos
- Caesars Rewards program
- Deep sports market offerings
- Launched March 2023
Fanatics Sportsbook
Merch Rewards- FanCash for merch at Fanatics stores
- Clean modern interface
- Strong pro sports markets
- Launched 2024
theScore Bet
News Integration- Plainridge Park retail partner
- PENN Entertainment backed
- Formerly ESPN BET in MA
- News integration
Bally Bet
Rewards Program- Launched in MA in 2024
- Bally Rewards loyalty
- Clean interface
- Newer to Massachusetts
Welcome Bonus Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of every welcome offer available to new Massachusetts bettors.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Condition | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | Instantly + NCAA Tournament profit boost | $5 |
| FanDuel | Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets | Over 10 days — daily no-sweat bets | $5 |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets | If your first bet loses + $50 Rewards | $10 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, Double Winnings Next 10 Bets | 100% profit boosts up to $25 per token | $10 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 FanCash Instantly | Or up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash | $5 |
| theScore Bet | Up to $1,000 Back | Rebranded from ESPN BET in Dec 2025 | $10 |
| Bally Bet | Check site for latest offer | Bally Rewards program | $10 |
How to Start Betting in Massachusetts
From choosing a sportsbook to placing your first wager, here is exactly how to get started with legal sports betting in the Bay State.
Choose a Sportsbook
Pick a licensed Massachusetts sportsbook from our reviewed list above. Each operator is regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Create Your Account
Provide your name, email, address, phone number, and last four digits of your SSN. Geolocation confirms you are in Massachusetts.
Claim Your Bonus
Enter any promo code during registration or on your first deposit. Each sportsbook has unique welcome offers — compare before committing.
Fund & Start Betting
Make your first deposit via bank transfer, debit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods. Most sportsbooks have $5-$10 minimums.
What Can You Bet On?
Massachusetts sportsbooks cover all major professional and college sports.
NFL
New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium — Super Bowl futures, player props, live in-game betting
MLB
Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park — nine-time World Series champions, deep MLB markets
NBA
Boston Celtics — 2024 NBA Champions with 18 banners total. Player props, spreads, futures
NHL
Boston Bruins (FanDuel official partner) at TD Garden — puck lines, goalie props, Stanley Cup futures
MLS / Soccer
New England Revolution, Premier League, Champions League, FIFA World Cup 2026 (Boston is a host city)
College Basketball
BC Eagles, Harvard, UMass — restricted except in tournaments like March Madness
Auto Racing
NASCAR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (nearby), F1, IndyCar — head-to-head and outright markets
Golf
PGA Tour, The Masters, US Open, LIV Golf — outright winners, head-to-head, props
Massachusetts Sports Betting Laws
📜 H5164 Sports Wagering Act
Massachusetts legalized sports betting through H5164 Sports Wagering Act, signed by Governor Charlie Baker in 2022. Online betting launched on March 10, 2023. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversees all operations.
💰 Tax Structure
Operators pay 20% Online / 15% Retail. Revenue supports state programs including responsible gambling initiatives and education.
📋 Licensing
Massachusetts allows up to 15 licenses. Currently 7 operators are live and accepting wagers.
🎓 College Betting
Massachusetts prohibits betting on in-state college teams (BC Eagles, UMass, Harvard, etc.) during regular season play. The only exception is when those teams are participating in a tournament with at least four teams, such as March Madness — then in-state college betting becomes available.
📍 Retail Sportsbooks
Massachusetts has retail sportsbooks at all three Category 1 casinos: Encore Boston Harbor (WynnBET partnership with Wynn Resorts), MGM Springfield (BetMGM), and Plainridge Park Casino (PENN Entertainment). Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs have approved licenses but have yet to launch.
🔒 Age & Location
You must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Massachusetts to place legal sports bets. Residency is not required. Geolocation technology verifies your location.
Key Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes. Governor Charlie Baker signed H5164 (the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act) in August 2022. Retail betting launched January 31, 2023, and online betting followed on March 10, 2023. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates the industry.
How old do I have to be to bet in Massachusetts?
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in Massachusetts, whether online or at a retail sportsbook. This is a hard rule — nearby New Hampshire allows 18+, but MA strictly enforces 21+.
How many sportsbooks are in Massachusetts?
There are 7 licensed online sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, theScore Bet, and Bally Bet. The state also has 3 active retail sportsbooks at Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino.
Can I bet on the Boston College Eagles or Harvard?
Not usually. Massachusetts prohibits betting on in-state college teams during regular season play. The only exception is when those teams participate in a tournament with at least four teams — so BC and UMass become available during March Madness. Betting on out-of-state college teams is always permitted.
Do I need to be a Massachusetts resident?
No. Anyone 21 or older who is physically located within Massachusetts can place legal sports bets. Geolocation technology verifies your location within state lines.
What is the tax rate on Massachusetts sports betting?
Massachusetts taxes online sports betting (Category 3) at 20% of adjusted gross revenue and retail sports betting (Categories 1 & 2) at 15%. Individual bettors also owe 5% Massachusetts state income tax on winnings plus federal taxes.
Can I use a credit card to deposit on MA sportsbooks?
No. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission prohibits credit card deposits at sportsbooks as part of its responsible gambling regulations. Bettors must use ACH/eCheck, online bank transfers, PayPal, prepaid debit cards, or cash deposits at affiliated casinos.
Are retail sportsbooks available?
Yes. Massachusetts has 3 active retail sportsbooks: Encore Boston Harbor (Everett), MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino (Plainville). Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs have approved licenses but have yet to launch their sportsbooks.
Can I bet on the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins?
Absolutely. All four major Boston sports teams are available for betting at every MA sportsbook. FanDuel is the official betting partner of the Boston Bruins. Massachusetts is one of the most team-loyal markets in the country, and Boston teams typically dominate local wagering volume.