Massachusetts Sports Betting: Best MA Sportsbooks [May 2023]

Sports betting in Massachusetts is legal and live for both retail venues, and online sports betting after the Mar. 10 online launch.

With the 2018 US Supreme Court decision to strike down the federal sports betting ban "Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992" that banned sports gambling, MA sports betting was made possible. With the summer of 2022 passing of sports betting legislation, possibilities became a reality. 

The state-appointed MGC (Massachusetts Gaming Commission) immediately got to work to get the structure for retail and mobile sports betting launches in place. Retail sports betting launched at the end of January and has seen a strong start, even with a few minor retail violations.

What comes next for Massachusetts sports betting is to see what the result is for the state tax-wise and how the Massachusetts Gaming Commission make adjustments to rules going forward.

Check out our state-by-state US legal sports betting guides for more information on gambling laws where you live.

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

DraftKings Sportsbook

WSN Review Rating: 9/10
Welcome Bonus: $1,200
Minimum Deposit: $5

The Massachusetts DraftKings Sportsbook offers a generous welcome bonus to new customers. New Massachusetts users can get a first-time 20% deposit match up to $1,000. The platform has a user-friendly interface that is easy for sports bettors in Massachusetts to navigate and place bets. Features, such as the ability to search for specific events and games and to customize odds settings based on individual preferences, make the Massachusetts DraftKings sportsbook a great choice. 

Massachusetts bettors will find the DraftKings online Sportsbook has a tremendous selection of offers with a wide range of sports to bet on. Users can bet on everything from the Celtics to the Bruins. While also having nationwide options, including basketball, both pro, and college; football, both pro and college; golf, soccer, baseball, hockey, and more. Massachusetts DraftKings online sportsbook offers various payment methods to make deposits and withdrawals for its users.

These include Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit, Discover Debit, Play+, PayPal, VIP Preferred, and Online Banking/Wire Transfer. Cash payments may also be possible if DraftKings builds a retail sportsbook in Massachusetts. Most of these payment methods have withdrawal limit requirements.

Last but not least, users will find that DraftKings provides excellent customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. 

FanDuel Sportsbook

WSN Review Rating: 9/10
Welcome Bonus: $1,000
Minimum Deposit: $10

The sportsbook at FanDuel, whether on mobile or their desktop site, is one of the very best in the Massachusetts sports betting market. With great features and a user-friendly platform, bettors in the commonwealth will find it one of the best options for placing their sports bet.

The MA FanDuel Sportsbook accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, Play+ prepaid cards, PayPal, Venmo, and bank transfers. Deposits and withdrawals are processed quickly and securely, protecting customer information.

Users will find great welcome offers anytime they sign up. At the moment, users will find FanDuels No Sweat Bet Offer. A new user's first bet is covered up to $1,000. Users will get their first bet back in FanDuel bonus betting credits if the first bet loses. 

When placing that first bet, not only can bettors using FanDuel in Massachusetts find all their favorite Boston teams to bet on but also market availability for teams, sports, games, and events across the country.

When a rare issue arises, excellent customer support, which includes email, phone, and live chat, is very helpful at FanDuel. One of the most popular betting methods, live betting, is excellent on FanDuel Sportsbook. Users of FanDuel will find a very easy-to-use platform for betting while games are being played.

Perhaps most important, the FanDuel website and mobile app are very straightforward. Navigating from one sport to another, making deposits or withdrawals, placing bets, and applying bonuses are easy and stress-free for bettors.

Caesars Sportsbook

WSN Review Rating: 9/10
Welcome Bonus: $1,250
Minimum Deposit: $20

The online sportsbook at Caesars is among the best available to Massachusetts bettors. It offers countless features to attract new users and is a big reason users rarely leave. It is hard to narrow it down to only a few of the best features, but for some of the most important ones, Caesars hits it out of the park. First, the new user welcome offer is one of the best you will find. When you place your first wager of $10 or more, you'll receive a 100% Bet Credit refund of up to $1,250 if your bet loses. Whether your first bet wins or loses, New Massachusetts bettors will receive 1,000 Reward Credits® and 1,000 Tier Credits. 

The Caesars Massachusetts Online Sportsbook offers a substantial variety of sports and events, including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. It also offers various markets to bet on, such as moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, and more. With that in mind, almost every one of said sports and events can be bet on live at Caesars Sportsbook. The live in-game betting features enable users to place wagers during ongoing sports events. This feature allows users to adjust their bets based on the game's current situation and adds to the overall betting experience.

Both the mobile app and desktop site are simple and easy to use. It is an often overlooked feature, but having a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate is very important. Caesars makes it straightforward for users to place wagers on their favorite sports and events. 

There are no big problems for Caesars Sportsbook users when it comes to making deposits and withdrawals, as they accept several payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, ACH e-checks, and online banking. Users can easily make deposits and withdrawals through these options, and the Caesars brand is known to ensure the security of customer information.

BetMGM Sportsbook

WSN Review Rating: 9/10

Welcome Bonus: $1,000

Minimum Deposit: $10

BetMGM is one of the best sportsbooks for users getting started in sports betting at BetMGM. Not only do they have countless great features, but it is also one of the nation's most widely available sportsbooks, which is something to consider if you travel frequently. BetMGM also has an excellent offer for new users simply for signing up. Right now, your first bet is covered up to $1,000. The first bet you place, anywhere from $10 to $1,000, will be returned to you in BetMGM bonus bets.

BetMGM also has great odds and lines for their users that are very competitive in the market. While bettors will also find everything, they want to bet on, from the NFL to the NBA, all the way down to niche sports and events. Most of the standard banking options are available for deposits and withdrawals. Those options include Visa/Mastercard, PayNearMe, Play+ Card, PayPal, bank transfer, online banking, apple pay, and BetMGM gift cards.

It is also important to mention that BetMGM is very simple to use with our review of the sportsbook, finding it very easy to navigate to different sections, place bets, and anything else available at BetMGM.

How We Rated the Top Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites

When it comes to evaluating sports betting sites in Massachusetts, there are several factors that WSN (World Sports Network) has considered, including:

• Licensing and Regulation: It is essential for sports betting sites to be licensed and regulated by the MGC (Massachusetts Gaming Authority). In Massachusetts, the MGC oversees all legal and regulatory aspects of sports betting.

• Range of Sports and Events: Top sports betting sites should offer a wide variety of betting markets, sports, and events to bet on. It is vital that it includes Massachusetts bettors' favorite sports like the NFL, college football, NBA, college basketball, and baseball. While also having less popular sports like soccer, UFC, Golf, and more.

• User Interface and Experience: A good sports betting site should have a user-friendly interface and an error-free user experience. This includes making it easy to place bets, navigate the site, have easy access to banking options for deposits and withdrawals, and have fast access to solid customer support.

• Quality of Bonuses and Promotions: Sports betting sites often offer bonuses and promotions to attract new customers and retain existing ones. These can include welcome bonuses, free bets, cashback offers, and more.

• Payment Methods: Sports betting sites should offer a variety of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and more. The site should also have a secure payment system to protect customer information.

• Customer Support: Good customer support is crucial for any sports betting site. This includes providing a variety of ways to contact customer support, such as email, phone, or live chat, and ensuring that support is available 24/7.

By evaluating these factors and others, WSN experts can determine which online sports betting sites are the best for Massachusetts residents. However, it's important to remember that individual preferences and experiences may vary.

Why You Should Trust Us

WSN (World Sports Network) is a trustworthy source of information on all things online sports betting for several reasons. Firstly, WSN is made up of a team of experts with extensive experience in the sports betting industry, which helps provide our users with in-depth knowledge of the sports betting market and valuable, exclusive insights only available on WSN. Additionally, WSN has conducted hands-on testing of each Massachusetts sports betting provider and its features, allowing for a thorough review of its performance, reliability, and usability. Moreover, WSN is committed to providing unbiased information to its users, ensuring that our recommendations are based solely on the platform's merits rather than any external factors. Therefore, WSN is a reliable and credible source of information for anyone seeking to make informed decisions about what Massachusetts sports betting sites to use.

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

Online Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites

Land-Based Massachusetts Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

Sports betting is legal in Massachusetts and has fully launched for both retail and online. In July 2022, the commonwealth passed a law that legalized sports betting and established a regulatory framework for the industry. Under the law, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is responsible for issuing licenses to sports betting operators and overseeing their activities.

Massachusetts residents can legally place sports bets with online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts. While sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, bettors in the commonwealth are most excited to start betting on the NCAA basketball tournament.

How to Get Started Betting in Massachusetts

If you're interested in signing up for your first sports betting account in Massachusetts, here's a step-by-step guide to you ready to place your first bet:

1. Choose a sportsbook: The first step is to choose a licensed and regulated sportsbook that meets your needs. There are several reputable sportsbooks available, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars, that offer a variety of sports and betting options.

2. Create an account: Once you've chosen a sportsbook, the next step is to create an account. This typically involves providing personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth. You may also need to provide additional documentation to verify your identity.

3. Make a deposit: After creating your account, you'll need to fund it to place bets. Most sportsbooks offer several payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and bank transfers. Choose the option that works best for you and make a first deposit, ensuring you deposit at least the minimum for your chosen Massachusetts sportsbook. Also, remember that some sportsbooks offer initial deposit matches, so depositing over the minimum may benefit first-time Massachusetts bettors.

4. Place your bets: Once you've funded your account, you can start placing bets. Most sportsbooks offer a variety of sports and betting options, so take some time to explore the available options and find the ones that appeal to you. When you're ready to place a bet, select the bet you want to make and enter the amount you want to wager. Once again, be aware of any promos you qualify for, as many sports have first bet promos, where users can get betting credit back if their bet loses. So choose that first bet carefully. If you need help, check out all of the WSN Betting Guides to help you be fully informed on the type of wager you are placing.

5. Manage your account: As you continue to place bets, it's important to keep an eye on your account balance and manage your bankroll responsibly. Ensure you're aware of any fees or restrictions associated with deposits and withdrawals, and set limits on your betting to ensure that you only spend what you can afford.

Overall, getting started with sports betting in Massachusetts is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By choosing a reputable sportsbook, creating an account, making a deposit, and placing your bets responsibly, you can enjoy the excitement of online sports betting while staying within your budget.

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Massachusetts?

There are several betting apps available in Massachusetts that offer a wide range of sports and betting options. Some of the most popular options include:

• DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts: DraftKings is another popular Massachusetts mobile sportsbook known for its many ongoing promos that help users hit big while not having to risk a ton of their personal bank roll.

• BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts: The website and mobile app are very user-friendly. Massachusetts bettors will find that BetMGM is a solid option and will meet all their needs. While they have a great welcome promo, it would be nice to see better ongoing promos, though.

• FanDuel Sportsbook Massachusetts: FanDuel is a leading mobile sportsbook in Massachusetts that offers a variety of sports, betting options, and betting markets, including live in-game betting, daily fantasy sports, and more.

• Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts: Caesars is a well-established casino and sportsbook operator in Massachusetts that offers an online and a mobile sportsbook. Caesars is one of the most competitive sportsbooks in the Odds and Lines department. Often boosting a line or odds just to beat their competitors.

Overall, there are several mobile sportsbooks available in Massachusetts that offer a variety of betting options and promotions. Before choosing a mobile sportsbook, it's important to do your own research and choose a reputable Massachusetts sports wagering operator that meets your needs.

What to Bet on in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, sports bettors in the Commonwealth have a wide range of options regarding what teams they can bet on. Here is a breakdown of the major sports and teams in the state, as well as the types of wagers you can place:

Football 

Massachusetts has one of the NFL's most passionate fan bases. The New England Patriots have been the most successful NFL franchise over the last two decades. Massachusetts bettors can place a variety of wagers on NFL games, including point spreads, moneylines, totals, futures, and props.

Basketball

The Boston Celtics are one of the most iconic NBA franchises of all time, and they are a popular choice for many Massachusetts bettors. NBA betting options include point spreads, moneylines, totals, futures, and props.

Baseball

The Boston Red Sox are a beloved MLB team. Massachusetts bettors will flock to Fenway Park to not only watch but also bet on baseball every summer. MLB bettors can place wagers on point spreads, moneylines, totals, futures, and props.

Hockey

The Boston Bruins are one of the more storied NHL franchises with a passionate following throughout Massachusetts. NHL bettors can place wagers on point spreads, moneylines, totals, futures, and props.

Other Sports

In addition to the major sports, Massachusetts bettors can also place wagers on college sports on teams not based in Massachusetts, soccer, golf, tennis, and more. Each sport offers a variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, totals, futures, and props.

It's important to note that each type of wager has its own unique rules and strategies. To learn more about the different types of wagers and how to place them, check out all of our relevant betting guides.

Betting on College Sports in Massachusetts

Betting on college sports is legal in Massachusetts, but some restrictions exist. For example, betting on college games involving Massachusetts-based teams is prohibited. This means that betting on games involving Boston College, Harvard, UMass, and other in-state schools is not allowed.

However, Massachusetts bettors can still place wagers on college games involving out-of-state teams and major college sporting events like the NCAA basketball tournament or football bowl games.

While college sports betting is somewhat restricted in Massachusetts, there are still plenty of major college teams with passionate fan bases in the state. Here are a few of the most notable college teams:

Boston College Eagles

The Boston College Eagles are a Division I NCAA athletic program with 31 varsity teams, including football, basketball, and hockey. While Massachusetts bettors cannot legally place wagers on Boston College games, the Eagles still have a large following in the state.

Harvard Crimson

Harvard University's athletic program, known as the Crimson, competes in Division I Ivy League sports. Harvard's football, basketball, and hockey teams are all popular with Massachusetts sports fans.

UMass Minutemen

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship campus of the UMass system and has Division I athletic programs. The UMass Minutemen compete in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and hockey.

Other Massachusetts College Teams

In addition to these major programs, Massachusetts is home to a number of smaller colleges with competitive sports programs. Schools like Northeastern, Boston University and Holy Cross all have passionate fan bases and offer opportunities for sports bettors to get in on the action when they play in events like the NCAA tournament, when Massachusetts bettors can then legally wager on Massachusetts college teams.

It's important to note that betting on college sports requires a slightly different approach than betting on professional sports. College teams can be more unpredictable, and the rosters can change significantly from year to year. As always, bettors should do their research and approach college sports betting with a clear strategy.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Facts

How Does Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Massachusetts is relatively new to the market compared to other states that have legalized online sports betting. As a result, the state has fewer options for sportsbooks compared to more established markets like New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

However, Massachusetts does have a few major providers in the online sports betting space, including DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and several more. These apps offer a range of sports betting options and competitive odds on a variety of sports, from football and basketball to niche sports like MMA and tennis.

Regarding deposit options, Massachusetts sportsbooks offer a range of choices, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and bank transfers. Some sportsbooks also allow for in-person cash deposits at partner casinos.

One potential restriction for Massachusetts bettors is the prohibition on betting on college sports involving in-state teams. However, bettors can still place wagers on college sports involving out-of-state teams, as well as professional sports and major events like the Super Bowl or NCAA basketball tournament.

While Massachusetts may have fewer sportsbook options than some other states, the available ones offer a solid betting experience with a range of sports and deposit options. As the market matures and more sportsbooks enter the space, Massachusetts bettors can expect even more options and competitive odds.

History of Massachusetts Sports Betting

Sports betting has a long and complicated history in Massachusetts. The state had long opposed any form of gambling, including sports betting. However, in recent years, that stance has begun to shift.

• 2011, Massachusetts passed a law allowing three casinos to be built in the state. The first of these, MGM Springfield, opened in 2018. This move opened the door for legalizing other forms of gambling, including sports betting.

• 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting, allowing individual states to legalize and regulate the industry on their own. Following this decision, Massachusetts lawmakers began to explore the possibility of legalizing sports betting in the state.

• 2019, a bill was introduced in the Massachusetts legislature that would have legalized sports betting. The bill would have allowed for in-person and online sports betting, but only at existing casinos in the state. However, the bill failed to pass before the end of the legislative session.

• 2020, another sports betting bill was introduced, this time with a broader scope. The bill would have allowed for online sports betting and in-person betting at casinos and other licensed facilities. However, the bill was again unable to pass before the end of the legislative session.

• In 2022, a sports betting bill was introduced in the Massachusetts legislature. The bill appeared doomed, but legislatures actually went past the deadline of when the Massachusetts legislative window ended, working through the night to come through with a bill to allow for the start of both retail and online sports betting. The bill also allows for betting on college sports, with the exception of games involving in-state teams.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is legal in Massachusetts. The state passed a law in 2016 that specifically legalized DFS and established regulations for operators. This means that major DFS sites like DraftKings and FanDuel can operate legally in the state.

Under the law, DFS operators must obtain a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and adhere to regulations. These regulations include ensuring that players are at least 18 years old and not employees of the DFS operator.

While DFS is legal in Massachusetts, it is worth noting that there has been some debate over the legality of the industry in other states. Some states have argued that DFS constitutes illegal gambling, while others have explicitly legalized it. As a result, the legal status of DFS can vary depending on where you are in the country.

Overall, however, DFS fans in Massachusetts can enjoy their favorite games without worrying about the legality of their wagers. The state's explicit legalization of DFS has helped to create a safe and regulated environment for players and operators alike.

Massachusetts Sportsbook Partnerships

As of March 2023, there is one sportsbook partnership in Massachusetts with a professional franchise and a sportsbook. The Boston Red Sox and BetMGM sportsbook have an exclusive partnership. More Partnerships are likely to come as more sports betting operators enter the market and seek to establish brand awareness and customer loyalty.

In other states where sports betting is legal, partnerships between sportsbooks and sports teams have become increasingly common. These partnerships often involve sponsorship deals or co-branding arrangements that allow sportsbooks to promote their services to fans of the team. Some partnerships have also included exclusive access to specific in-game data or special promotions for fans of the team.

Given the popularity of sports teams in Massachusetts, we will likely see more partnerships between sportsbooks and teams in the future. However, it remains to be seen which teams and sportsbooks will form these partnerships and what form they will take. For now, sports bettors in Massachusetts can still enjoy a range of betting options from the state's legal sportsbooks, even if they don't have the added excitement of rooting for their favorite team.

BetMGM and Redsox Partnership: BetMGM To Become Sports Betting Partner of the Boston Red Sox

Responsible Gaming in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is committed to responsible gaming and has several different approaches to protecting its residents; for detailed information about Massachusetts' approach to responsible gaming, visit the Massachusetts Gaming Commissions Commitment to Responsible Gaming page.

Other Massachusetts Responsible gaming resources include:

PlayMyWay: Free option budgeting tool to help Massachusetts bettor play and receive automatic notifications as bettors get close to their pre-set budgets.

Nation Gambling Hotline: 100% confidential and available 24/7 telephone line for gamblers to call 1-800-522-4700.

Gamblers Anonymous: One of the nation's largest and most well-known support groups for problem gambling. Gamblers Anonymous has regular meetings weekly in several locations across Massachusetts.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion: Bettors in Massachusetts can put themselves on a self-exclusion list that requires at least six-month enrollment that makes it to where one cannot bet in the state during that time. Also, after a period of exclusion, one has to go through reinstatement training with a gambling professional to get reinstated and allowed to gamble again.

Final Verdict on Massachusetts Sports Betting

Massachusetts has joined the growing list of states to legalize sports betting, allowing residents and visitors to bet on their favorite sports teams and events. With a range of legal sportsbooks now available in the state, sports bettors have many options to choose from when it comes to placing wagers.

While Massachusetts' sports betting market is still relatively new and evolving, it has already shown great potential with its competitive odds, diverse selection of sports and betting markets, and convenient mobile options. With the possibility of more partnerships and promotions in the future, sports betting in Massachusetts will only get better.

Overall, Massachusetts offers a safe and legal environment for sports betting enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill of the game while potentially earning some money along the way.

Massachusetts Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Massachusetts.

What online sportsbooks are available in Massachusetts?

Some of the top online sportsbooks available in Massachusetts include DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in Massachusetts.

How old do you need to be to bet on sports in Massachusetts?

You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Massachusetts.