Massachusetts Sports Betting: Best MA Betting Sites in 2024

Is Online Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

Retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts launched to much fanfare in January 2023, with online sports betting platforms following shortly after in March. The Bay State was an early player in the legal sports betting landscape, with several attempted bills arising soon after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018. 

Despite the conversation surrounding legal sports wagering, Massachusetts lawmakers largely refrained from a serious push until 2021. Most states in New England were slower to legalize sports betting, so a lack of movement wasn’t surprising. But after Connecticut launched online sportsbooks in 2021, the Massachusetts Senate began taking the idea more seriously. 

Very seriously indeed – 23 separate sports betting bills were submitted during 2021, with the House eventually focusing on H3977. Strong support from Governor Charlie Baker suggested the bill could pass all the way, but H3977 fails despite passing the lower chamber. 2022 saw a new bill – H5164 – quickly secure passage through the House and Senate, finally establishing a clear roadmap for legal sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks. 

Massachusetts became the 36th state to legalize sports betting after Governor Charlie Baker eagerly signed H3977 into law on August 10, a personal milestone for the outgoing governor who had repeatedly expressed his support. Rollout, however, was fairly slow. It took from August 2022 to March 2023 to deliver actual online sportsbooks, with Commissioner Brad Hill from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission repeatedly stressing the importance of getting the rollout right. 

This may explain the increased restrictions on sports betting markets than some other states, notably for college sports. MA sports betting sites cannot take wagers involving Massachusetts college athletes playing in-state fixtures, but bettors can still back local teams in tournaments like March Madness. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission also restricts other sports like chess, eSports, jai alai, and some Olympic disciplines where judges decide the overall winner.  

Despite a slightly more restrictive approach to states like Colorado (but similar to neighboring Vermont), Massachusetts sports betting operators have already made over $542 million in revenue since the early 2023 rollout. This translates to more than $108 million in taxes for the Bay State, vital funds for the state’s general budget, education services, Public Health Trust Fund, and responsible gambling schemes. 

Massachusetts Sports Betting Updates & Timeline

Massachusetts had a longer road to legal online sports betting than many people thought due to the early conversations that ultimately never came to fruition. Here is an overview of the main dates and milestones: 

• February 2024 – Betr and WynnBET cease their Massachusetts sports betting operations. 
• December 2023 – Massachusetts online sports betting platforms end the year by taking a monthly record of $658.6 million in bets. 
• May 2023 – Fanatics Sportsbooks adds to the fertile Massachusetts sports betting ecosystem, launching its highly-anticipated sports betting app in May. 
• March 2023 – Legal online sports betting finally arrives in Massachusetts, with six sportsbooks and MA sports betting apps commencing operations: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, ESPN Bet, and WynnBet. 
• January 2023 – Legal retail sports betting launches on January 31, operated by three Massachusetts casinos: MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, and Plainridge Park Casino. 
• August 2022 – After H5164 finally passes through the House in the nick of time, the Senate also puts its weight behind the legal sports betting bill with a 36-4 vote. Governor Charlie Baker signs H5164 into law on August 10 to the delight of MA bettors. 
• October 2021 – Despite encouraging signs from the House, Senate President Karen Spilka dashes Massachusetts bettors' legalization hopes, claiming that legal sports betting isn’t on the agenda any time soon. 
• July 2021 – The House votes 156-3 to pass sports betting bill H3977, with strong bi-partisan support injecting significant momentum and laying the foundations for a strong legalization drive. 
• July 2020 – Massachusetts almost got legal sports betting after H4887, which would have implemented mobile sports betting alongside online and retail sportsbooks, comes close to being pushed through as part of an emergency economic plan. However, Senators decide to omit sports betting language from the bill at the last minute, citing that it wasn’t the time to legalize sports wagering just yet. 
• January 2019 – Lawmakers put forward three potential Massachusetts legal sports betting bills. The most serious is SD 903, a comprehensive bill endorsed by Senator Brendan Crighton that ultimately fails to gain any traction. 
• May 2018 – The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act implemented in 1992 is stricken down by the US Supreme Court during Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. This paves the way for individual states to legalize sports betting.  

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in Massachusetts

Our experts delve deep into the best Massachusetts online sportsbooks below, helping you choose the optimal platform for your wagering requirements:

BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts 

BetMGM has added a notably innovative approach to its platform recently, following bet365’s lead to become one of the only sports betting operators with an “Edit My Bet” function. But this is far from the only selling point making BetMGM one of the best MA sportsbooks. 

Our experts also love the clear user interface, streamlined same-game parlay builder, and broad range of ongoing promos like 25% NHL odds boosts and the BetMGM promo of $1500. Massachusetts sports bettors are also particularly well placed to take advantage of the Select Your Squad feature, enabling personalized offers and updates regarding the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics. 

Another particular highlight as far as we’re concerned is the MGM Rewards scheme, one of the most high-powered loyalty programs across the entire US sports betting landscape. Bettors receive points for each wager that can be used to score discounts for dozens of MGM resorts alongside tickets for highly coveted events like Cirque du Soleil. Massachusetts has its very own MGM Springfield resort and casino, so MGM Rewards can be particularly eye-catching for Massachusetts sports bettors. 

DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts 

DraftKings was born and bred in Boston, so its status as one of the best Massachusetts sports betting platforms is unsurprising. The Daily Fantasy Sports titan utilizes its abundant resources to provide arguably the most comprehensive selection of betting markets alongside FanDuel, a fellow DFS giant. 

This is particularly apparent for NFL fixtures, with DraftKings offering thousands of betting markets ranging from super-precise player props to broad and often unique options on the NFL Draft. These array of choices make the perfect foundation for our favorite DraftKings selling point – the same-game parlay builder. It’s the most comprehensive on the market, giving Massachusetts sports bettors near-limitless opportunities to mix and match selections during a game. 

The DraftKings Social is also a unique addition, enabling bettors to feel a more communal atmosphere with group chats and tournaments. Elsewhere, the operator provides a generous selection of existing customer promos, particularly the bet and get Draftking welcome bonus.

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Massachusetts 

ESPN Bet entered the Massachusetts sports betting market in November 2023 following an extended rebrand, immediately becoming one of the top platforms in the Bay State. Right away, it’s clear the sports heavyweight means business. Our favorite highlight is the sublime aesthetic design and overall interface, mixing top-spec functionality with an approach much easier on the eye than alternatives like DraftKings.  

ESPN Bet also has one of the best sports betting apps, and not only because of the aesthetic. The sportsbook enjoys a 4.8 out of 5 rating on the App Store after over 120,000 reviews, with users particularly valuing the exclusive mobile odds boost promos, customized offers, sublime interface, and streamlined same-game parlay builder. 

The live betting suite is another ESPN Bet highlight, especially combined with the daily odds boosts. And speaking of bonuses, new customers can currently score $100 in bonus bets after a wager of any amount and a 200% first-time deposit up to $500 – two uniquely generous promos demonstrating the Massachusetts sports betting platform’s desire to reach new customers. 

FanDuel Sportsbook Massachusetts 

FanDuel is the overall US sports betting market leader, and also holds a significant sway over the Massachusetts sports betting landscape. Like DraftKings, the operator has access to the most accurate and comprehensive sports data, especially for competitions like the NFL. 

This creates abundant betting markets and sports options, all wrapped up in an easy-to-use interface. FanDuel deserves particular praise for its outstanding mobile sports betting app, which has similarly high reviews to ESPN Bet with a 4.8 out of 5 score on the App Store. The only difference is that this is after over a million more reviews, with 1,350,000+ users praising the industry-leading software. 

FanDuel also has a leading approach to ongoing promotions, providing regular profit boosts, parlay insurance promos, free bets, and more. The Refer-a-Friend Fanduel Promo is worth a mention, granting $50 in bonus bets for you and a friend after making a referral. 

Fanatics Sportsbook Massachusetts 

Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the newest additions to the Massachusetts sports betting landscape, taking a particularly innovative approach to sportsbook entertainment. Solely available as a sports betting app at the moment, the operator has several features separating it from the competition. 

The “Discover” page, inspired by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, is a brilliant addition, providing Massachusetts bettors with a personalized feed of options judged by previous bet history and your favorite franchises. 

Fanatics Sportsbook also has our favorite rewards program alongside BetMGM. The unique promo grants bettors 1% cashback for straight bets and odds boosts, 3% on regular parlays, and 5% on same-game parlays. Paid as FanCash bonus bets, it’s available win or lose – a significant selling point. 

Massachusetts Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

MA bettors already have a brilliant selection of sportsbooks to choose from, but more options is never a bad thing. Our experts monitor the Massachusetts sports betting landscape, publishing our findings whenever they become available. Check back regularly for updates. 

Best Sportsbook Promos in Massachusetts 

Claiming bonus bets is the perfect way to start your experience at Massachusetts sports betting sites, but some operators offer more generous promotions than others. Our experts select the current best options below and provide vital details regarding the main guidelines to consider:

ESPN Bet – 200% Deposit Match & $100 in Bonus Bets 

ESPN Bet currently has the best Massachusetts sports betting welcome bonus, offering new customers a 200% deposit match up to $500 and $100 in bonus bets after placing a wager of any amount. The lack of minimum wager restrictions for activating the bonus bets offer is particularly appealing, especially for complete betting novices. 

But you’ll have to be quick, as these offers expire soon. Our research suggests ESPN Bet will be back with a similarly generous welcome promo. However, we cannot guarantee they’ll be this attractive. Check below for the main terms and conditions: 

200% Deposit Match: 

• Only available on first deposit 
• $500 maximum in bonus funds 
• Cashback expires after 30 days 
• Offer ends March 18

$100 in Bonus Bets: 

• $10 minimum deposit 
• Any first-time wager amount qualifies 
• $100 in bonus bets paid in five $20 tokens 
• Bonus bets expire after seven days 
• Offer ends April 1

DraftKings – Bet $5 Get $200

DraftKings is another one of the best Massachusetts online sportsbooks available regarding first-customer promos. We particularly recommend this promotion for more experienced bettors who can spot profitable opportunities to use the safety net to their advantage. 

Here are the main terms and conditions: 

• $5 minimum deposit 
• First wager qualifies 
• Bonus bet must be used within seven days

Requirements to Play at Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites

Requirements for Massachusetts bettors are largely the same as other states. The main considerations include: 

• 21+ minimum age 
• Must have a valid account 
• Geolocation must prove you’re within MA state boundaries 
• Cannot be on self-exclusion lists 
• Must follow restrictions on betting markets like the ban on in-state college sports betting

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Massachusetts

Massachusetts bettors are lucky enough to have several major league franchises on their doorstep. We’ll cover the most popular options below: 

Massachusetts Sport Leagues

Massachusetts online sportsbooks take the most wagers from the following leagues: 

Massachusetts Teams to Bet On

Massachusetts sports teams have regularly emerged as some of the best across the US. For example: 

• New England Patriots (NFL) 
• Boston Red Sox (MLB) 
• Boston Celtics (NBA) 
• Boston Bruins (NHL) 

Although in-state college sports betting is prohibited, Massachusetts bettors can also wager on college teams like the Boston College Eagles and UMass Minutemen during March Madness and other competitions

What You Can't Bet On In Massachusetts

Massachusetts sports betting regulators take a sterner stance than many other states regarding restricted betting markets. The principal ones include: 

• No in-state college sports betting 
• Chess (due to the Carlsen-Niemann controversy) 
• Olympic sports decided by judges 
• eSports 
• Jai alai 
• Athletes under 18 
• Politics 

Other Types of Gambling in Massachusetts

Despite the surging popularity of sports betting in Massachusetts, it isn’t the only form of gambling entertaining Bay Staters. Here are a few more examples: 

• Land-Based Casinos – Massachusetts has three land-based casinos: MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino. 
• Sweepstakes Casinos – Online casino gaming is outlawed, but Massachusetts regulators allow sweepstakes casinos. These platforms offer free casino gaming with no purchase necessary. Check our best sweepstakes casinosfor more information.  
• Horse Racing Betting – Massachusetts bettors have enjoyed horse racing betting since 1934. The legal gambling age is 18, with notable operators like TwinSpires offering their services in the Bay State. 

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

Legal sports betting is spreading across the US at significant speed. Here are a few more states recently making the move: 

• North Carolina – North Carolina betting sites will launch in March 2024 with support for a dozen sportsbooks and cryptocurrency payments. 
• Maine – The Pine Tree State followed Massachusetts’ lead, launching legal sports betting in November 2023. Our Maine betting sites page has everything you need to know. 
• Vermont – The Green Mountain State is another New England location to legalize sports betting recently. Three Vermont betting sites commenced operations in January 2024. 

Overview of Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites

Online sports betting in Massachusetts is in full swing, and this page is your one-stop shop to find the best sportsbooks, bonuses, and extra information surrounding Bay State sports wagering. Whether you’re looking for a top-spec sportsbook app or a guide on how to create an account, our experts have you covered. Choose a platform and register through our links to get started.

Massachusetts Sports Betting FAQ