Betting with Massachusetts sportsbooks is legal for anyone 21 or older who is physically in the state, and seven online sportsbooks currently hold a license. Our top pick is FanDuel, followed by Caesars and BetMGM, while DraftKings, Fanatics and theScore Bet complete our six recommendations.
Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org.
Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org.
Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are paid (affiliate) links to licensed operators. If a link is used to sign up or deposit, we may earn a commission at no added cost to players. Compensation does not determine our rankings; our reviews follow the transparent criteria outlined in our rating methodology.
Best Massachusetts Sportsbooks Ranked 2026
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has licensed seven online sportsbooks: Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and theScore Bet. These are the legal Massachusetts sportsbooks, and we recommend six of them. Bally Bet is covered after the reviews.
We rank the Massachusetts betting sites below on the areas local bettors use most: markets on the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins, the app on a busy game day, the value and terms of the welcome offer, rewards, and how money gets in and out.
FanDuel leads because it pairs the strongest same game parlay and live betting tools with a welcome offer that pays out whether or not your qualifying bets win. Caesars ranks second for rewards that work beyond the app, and BetMGM third for the widest range of markets beyond the four Boston teams. DraftKings, Fanatics and theScore Bet each serve a narrower need: player props on local teams, team merchandise, and sports news alongside your bets.
FanDuel – Best Overall & Top Sportsbook for Same Game Parlays
21+ in OH. $5 min deposit req. Bonus Bets non-withdrawable, expire 7 days after receipt. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
FanDuel is our first pick because it leads on the bet type many Massachusetts bettors use most, the same game parlay, while matching the other top books on local markets and payment options. Its welcome offer is also the easiest on this list to collect, since the qualifying bets do not need to win. FanDuel’s main strengths are:
- SGP builder: combine a Celtics win, the game total and a points prop on one ticket in a few taps.
- Live betting: in-game markets on every Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins game.
- Rewards: odds boosts on local teams, plus points you can redeem for bonus bets.
- Payments: debit cards, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, PayNearMe and the FanDuel Play+ card. Every method except PayNearMe also works for withdrawals.
| MA Sportsbook | FanDuel |
|---|---|
|
Best For |
Same game parlays and live betting |
|
Live in MA Since |
March 2023 |
|
Top MA Markets |
Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins |
|
Payments |
Debit card, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, PayNearMe, Play+ |
|
Mobile Apps |
iOS and Android |
New customers who deposit at least $5 get $50 in bonus bets for each day they place a $5 bet, on five consecutive days, for up to $250. The qualifying bets do not need to win and carry no minimum odds, and each day’s bonus bets expire seven days after they arrive. Bonus bets are site credit, not cash. Our full FanDuel MA review covers the app in more detail.
- Choose FanDuel if most of your bets are parlays built from one game, or you want a welcome offer that does not depend on a result.
- Look elsewhere if you bet only once a week, since the five qualifying days have to be consecutive.
Caesars – Best Sportsbook for MA Rewards Program
21+ in OH. $1 min bet req. Profit Boosts expire 14 days after receipt. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Caesars ranks second because its rewards go further than those of any other sportsbook on this list: the credits you earn on bets can be spent on hotel stays, dining and entertainment as well as in the app. Its welcome offer also works differently, adding value to winning bets rather than handing out bonus bets. What sets Caesars apart:
- Caesars Rewards: up to 10 Reward Credits per $100 on straight bets and up to 20 per $100 on parlays.
- Where credits work: bets in the app, or hotel stays, dining and entertainment at more than 50 Caesars destinations.
- Payments: debit cards, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, PayNearMe and the Caesars Play+ card, with withdrawals available to PayPal, Venmo and Play+, among other methods.
- Retail link: licensed through Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, which runs a retail sportsbook.
| MA Sportsbook | Caesars |
|---|---|
|
Best For |
Rewards you can use beyond the app |
|
Live in MA Since |
March 2023 |
|
Top MA Markets |
Patriots, Celtics, NFL and NBA futures |
|
Payments |
Debit card, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, PayNearMe, Play+ |
|
Mobile Apps |
iOS and Android |
A first bet of $1 or more earns ten 100% profit boosts, each doubling the profit on one bet of up to $25, with extra winnings capped at $2,500 per boost. A winning $25 Patriots bet at +100 would normally pay $25 in profit; with a boost, it pays $50. A boost adds nothing to a losing bet and cannot be combined with a bonus bet, and all ten expire 14 days after they arrive. Our full Caesars MA review covers the rewards program in more detail.
- Choose Caesars if you want rewards that carry over to travel, dining and casino visits.
- Look elsewhere if you want bonus bets you can still use after a losing first bet.
BetMGM – Best for a Variety of Betting Markets
21+ in OH. $10 min bet req. Bonus Bets non-withdrawable, expire 7 days after receipt. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
BetMGM ranks third and suits bettors who look beyond the four Boston teams to international competitions, niche sports and season-long futures. It also offers the largest first-bet bonus on this list for bettors whose opening bet loses. BetMGM’s key features include:
- Market range: major US leagues plus international competitions and niche sports.
- Futures: season-long markets such as the AFC East and the Stanley Cup.
- BetMGM Rewards: points that link to MGM Rewards.
- Payments: debit cards, online banking, PayPal and the BetMGM Play+ card, plus cash at the MGM Springfield cage.
- Retail link: licensed through MGM Springfield, home to one of the state’s three retail sportsbooks.
| MA Sportsbook | BetMGM |
|---|---|
|
Best For |
Sports beyond the major US leagues, and futures |
|
Live in MA Since |
March 2023 |
|
Top MA Markets |
Patriots, Bruins, NFL futures |
|
Payments |
Debit card, online banking, PayPal, Play+, cash at MGM Springfield |
|
Mobile Apps |
iOS and Android |
If your first bet loses, BetMGM gives you bonus bets matching your stake, up to $1,500: one bonus bet for stakes under $50, or five equal bonus bets worth 20% of the stake each for stakes of $50 or more. A $10 minimum deposit applies, the bonus bets expire seven days after they are issued, and a winning first bet simply pays out with no bonus. Bonus bets are not cash. Our full BetMGM MA review covers its markets in more detail.
- Choose BetMGM if you bet on more than the local teams and want bonus bets back if your first bet loses.
- Look elsewhere if you plan a small first bet, since the bonus bets only match what you staked.
DraftKings – Hometown MA Sportsbook for Boston Team Props
21+ in OH. $5 min bet req. New Customer Offer Token expires 7 days after offer expiration. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
DraftKings ranks fourth. Its Boston-based app covers every local team in as much depth as any sportsbook here, particularly on player props, but it does not lead on parlays, rewards or market range, the areas that separate our top three. For Massachusetts bettors, DraftKings brings:
- Local market depth: Patriots player props, Bruins puck lines and full Celtics and Red Sox menus.
- Game-day tools: same game parlays and live betting one tap from each game.
- Daily promotions: a promotions page that changes through the week.
- Payments: debit cards, online banking, PayPal, Venmo and Apple Pay. DraftKings stopped taking credit cards in August 2025, in line with Massachusetts law.
| MA Sportsbook | DraftKings |
|---|---|
|
Best For |
Player props on Boston teams |
|
Live in MA Since |
March 2023 |
|
Top MA Markets |
Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox |
|
Payments |
Debit card, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay |
|
Mobile Apps |
iOS and Android |
The welcome offer pays $150 in bonus bets for a $5 first bet, released as six $25 bonus bets: two straight away and two more every seven days. Each set must be claimed and expires seven days after it is issued, and bonus bets are site credit, not cash. Our full DraftKings MA review covers the app in more detail.
- Choose DraftKings if you mostly bet player props on the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins.
- Look elsewhere if you want the full welcome offer straight away, since it is spread over two weeks.
Fanatics – Best for Merchandise & Fan Rewards
Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER
Fanatics ranks fifth and stands out for one reason: its FanCash rewards can be spent on team merchandise as well as on bets. If you already buy jerseys or caps, that turns betting activity into something tangible. With Fanatics, you get:
- FanCash: rewards you can spend on jerseys, caps and other gear, or on bets.
- Two welcome offers: a one-off bet-and-get offer or a ten-day bet match.
- Payments: debit cards, online banking, PayPal, Venmo and Apple Pay. Every method except Apple Pay also works for withdrawals.
- Retail link: licensed through Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville.
| MA Sportsbook | Fanatics |
|---|---|
|
Best For |
Merchandise and FanCash rewards |
|
Live in MA Since |
May 2023 |
|
Top MA Markets |
Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins |
|
Payments |
Debit card, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay |
|
Mobile Apps |
iOS and Android |
New Massachusetts customers can choose between betting $20 to get $350 in FanCash, or a 100% bet match in FanCash of up to $100 a day for ten days, worth up to $1,000, on bets at odds of -200 or longer. FanCash is not cash and has its own terms, and the ten-day offer needs a bet every day to reach its full value. Our full Fanatics MA review explains how FanCash works.
- Choose Fanatics if you want rewards you can spend on team gear.
- Look elsewhere if you want bonus bets that work like other sportsbooks’ offers.
theScore Bet – Best for Sports News and Betting in One App
theScore Bet replaced ESPN BET in Massachusetts on December 1, 2025, and ranks sixth. Its appeal is the link with theScore’s sports news and scores app, but as the newest name on our list, it has the shortest track record in Massachusetts. The app offers:
- News and scores link: follow a game and bet on it in one place.
- Full local menus: markets on all four Boston teams.
- PENN Play rewards: points on your bets that link to PENN’s casino rewards program, which includes Plainridge Park.
- Payments: debit cards, online banking, PayPal, Venmo and the Play+ card.
- Retail link: licensed through Plainridge Park Casino.
| MA Sportsbook | theScore Bet |
|---|---|
|
Best For |
Sports news and betting in one place |
|
Live in MA Since |
December 2025 (formerly ESPN BET) |
|
Top MA Markets |
Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins |
|
Payments |
Debit card, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Play+ |
|
Mobile Apps |
iOS and Android |
New customers choose between two offers, both with a $10 minimum deposit and first bet. Bet $10, Get $100 pays $100 in bonus bets if that first bet wins. The Bet Reset works the other way: if your first bet loses, you receive bonus bets matching your stake, up to $1,000, issued as five bonus bets each worth 20% of it. Bonus bets from either offer expire seven days after they arrive and pay out winnings only, not the stake. Customers who previously registered with ESPN BET may not be eligible.
- Choose theScore Bet if you already use theScore for scores and news.
- Look elsewhere if you want a welcome offer that pays out whatever your first result, since each option pays on only one outcome.
Bally Bet – The Seventh Licensed Sportsbook
Must be physically present in CO and 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER
Bally Bet launched in Massachusetts in July 2024 and holds a full Category 3 license, so it is a legal option. We have reviewed it, but it sits outside our six recommendations: its welcome offer is smaller than those above, it runs fewer ongoing promotions than DraftKings or FanDuel, and its iOS app has been less consistent than its Android version. Where it stands out is live streaming. Bally Bet’s main features are:
- Live streaming: watch select games inside the app while your bets run.
- Instant Betting: bet on the next play, shot or at-bat as a game unfolds.
- Bally Rewards: points on real-money bets, redeemable for bonus bets or at Bally’s casino resorts.
- Payments: debit cards, online banking, the Play+ card and bank transfer. Withdrawals go to online banking, Play+ or a debit card.
| MA Sportsbook | Bally Bet |
|---|---|
|
Best For |
Live streaming inside the app |
|
Live in MA Since |
July 2024 |
|
Top MA Markets |
Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins |
|
Payments |
Debit card, online banking, Play+, bank transfer |
|
Mobile Apps |
iOS and Android |
Place a first bet of $10 or more at odds of -250 or longer and you receive two $25 bonus bets, win or lose, within 48 hours of the bet settling. A $10 minimum deposit applies, and the bonus bets expire seven days after they are issued. Bonus bets are site credit, not cash. Our full Bally Bet MA review covers the app and live betting in more detail.
- Choose Bally Bet if you want to watch select games in the same app you bet in.
- Look elsewhere if you want a larger welcome offer or a steady stream of promotions for existing customers.
Which Massachusetts Sportsbook Is Right for You?
If you are still choosing, here is how our picks line up for the most common needs. Welcome offers change often, so check the latest terms before you sign up.
| What You Want | Our Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Same game parlays and live betting |
|
SGP builder at the center of the app, and a welcome offer that doesn’t depend on a win |
|
Rewards beyond betting |
|
Credits usable at more than 50 Caesars destinations |
|
Sports beyond the Boston teams |
|
International competitions, niche sports and deep futures |
|
Player props on local teams |
|
Deep Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins prop menus |
|
Team merchandise |
|
FanCash works on gear as well as bets |
|
News and betting together |
|
Linked to theScore’s sports app and PENN Play rewards |
Massachusetts Sports Betting – Key Facts (2026)
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission licenses every sportsbook in the state, approves which events can be bet on and enforces the rules that protect bettors. These are the facts that matter most before you open an account.
| MA Sports Betting Facts | Details |
|---|---|
|
Legal Status |
Retail since January 31, 2023; online since March 10, 2023 |
|
Regulatory Body |
Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) |
|
Operator Tax Rate |
20% of taxable sports wagering revenue (online), 15% (retail) |
|
Legal Betting Age |
21+ |
|
Online Sportsbooks |
7 licensed: Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, theScore Bet |
|
Retail Sportsbooks |
Encore Boston Harbor (Everett), MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park Casino (Plainville) |
|
Credit Cards |
Not allowed for deposits, directly or indirectly |
|
College Betting |
Allowed, but no in-state teams outside tournaments of four or more teams, and no college player props |
Four of the seven online sportsbooks are linked to one of the state’s casinos, and the other three hold stand-alone licenses:
| Sportsbook | License | Live Online in MA Since |
|---|---|---|
|
FanDuel |
Stand-alone Category 3 |
March 2023 |
|
Caesars Sportsbook |
Category 3, linked to Encore Boston Harbor |
March 2023 |
|
BetMGM |
Category 3, linked to MGM Springfield |
March 2023 |
|
DraftKings |
Stand-alone Category 3 |
March 2023 |
|
Fanatics |
Category 3, linked to Plainridge Park Casino |
May 2023 |
|
theScore Bet |
Category 3, linked to Plainridge Park Casino |
December 2025 (formerly ESPN BET) |
|
Bally Bet |
Stand-alone Category 3 |
July 2024 |
Massachusetts Sports Betting Updates (October 2026)
The Massachusetts market changes through the year as licenses are renewed, rules are tightened and operators rebrand. These are the developments that affect bettors most, with the latest first.
| MA Sports Betting Update | Details |
|---|---|
|
August 2026 revenue (released Sept. 21) |
About $47.09 million in taxable sports wagering revenue across the seven online and three retail licensees |
|
Taxes since launch |
About $477.87 million collected from sports wagering by June 2026, per the MGC |
|
Licensing reopened (April 2026) |
The MGC voted to reopen sports wagering applications after bet365 expressed interest; bet365 is not licensed |
|
theScore Bet replaces ESPN BET (Dec. 1, 2025) |
The rebrand followed the end of the ESPN partnership |
|
DraftKings fined $450,000 (2025) |
For accepting credit card deposits from Massachusetts customers in 2023 and 2024 |
How to Start Betting Online in Massachusetts
Opening an account with Massachusetts sportsbooks licensed by the MGC follows the same four steps at every operator, whether you use the website or one of the Massachusetts sportsbook apps. The whole process usually takes a few minutes once your identity check is complete.
Step 1: Register Your MA Sports Betting Account
Enter your full name, date of birth, home address and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The sportsbook uses these to confirm you are 21 or older, and it may ask for a photo ID before your first withdrawal. Our guide to Massachusetts betting apps compares how each app handles sign-up.
Step 2: Depositing Funds into Your Massachusetts Account
Massachusetts law bans credit card deposits, including indirect routes such as prepaid cards or e-wallets funded by a credit card. Your options therefore depend on your bank account or debit card, and the methods offered by Massachusetts sportsbooks include:
- Debit cards
- Online banking and ACH transfers
- PayPal and Venmo
- Prepaid cards such as Play+, loaded from an eligible source
- PayNearMe cash deposits at participating stores
- Cash at the casino cage of an affiliated retail sportsbook, where the operator offers it
Availability differs by sportsbook, so check the cashier before you deposit. Most deposits arrive instantly, while bank transfers can take longer.
Step 3: Placing Your First Bet on an MA Betting Site
Choose a game, select a market such as the moneyline, spread or total, enter your stake and confirm. Before you start combining picks, our parlay betting guide shows how each added leg changes the payout.
If you prefer betting on the combined score, our over/under betting guide explains how totals are set and graded. Totals are also easy to compare between apps, since every licensed sportsbook shows the line and its price together.
Step 4: Withdrawing Winnings from MA Sportsbooks
Go to the cashier, choose a withdrawal method, enter the amount and confirm. Timing depends on two separate steps: the sportsbook’s review of the request, which can include an identity check on your first withdrawal, and the payment provider’s own processing time. That is why no sportsbook can promise a fixed payout time for every method.
Bet on Massachusetts Teams: Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox & More
Every licensed Massachusetts sportsbook covers the four major Boston teams with game lines, player props, live betting and futures. These are the markets each team offers and what to look at before betting.
New England Patriots Betting (NFL)
Patriots games come with moneylines, spreads, totals, player and team props, live betting and futures such as the AFC East winner. For example, at Patriots +3.5 your bet wins if New England wins or loses by three points or fewer. Our NFL predictions give our view on upcoming games, and our Patriots betting page covers the team’s markets in more depth.
Boston Celtics Betting (NBA)
Celtics markets include moneylines, spreads, totals, player points, rebounds and assists props, and futures such as the Eastern Conference winner. Before betting a player prop, check the injury report and whether the game is the second night of a back-to-back, since rest decisions can change playing time.
Boston Red Sox & Bruins Betting (MLB/NHL)
Red Sox games offer moneylines, run lines, totals, first-five-innings bets and player props such as strikeouts and home runs. Bruins games come with moneylines, puck lines, goal totals, period bets and player props, and the confirmed starting goalie can move the line on game day.
Local Promos & Odds Boosts for Boston Teams
Beyond the welcome offers, Massachusetts sportsbooks run promotions for existing customers, and many of them are built around Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins games. Individual offers change daily, so the table below shows the types you can expect to find, as checked in October 2026, rather than a fixed list.
| Promo Type | How It Works | Where You’ll Find It |
|---|---|---|
|
Odds boosts |
The sportsbook raises the price on a set market, such as a Patriots win or a Celtics player prop |
FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings |
|
Profit boost tokens |
A token raises the profit on one bet you choose by a set percentage |
FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings |
|
Parlay and SGP boosts |
A percentage boost on a parlay or same game parlay, often tied to a big game |
BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings |
As an example, a $30 four-leg Patriots same game parlay at +700 would pay $210 in profit if it wins. With a 50% SGP boost, the odds rise to +1050 and the same winning bet pays $315 in profit. Before using any boost, check the maximum stake, since most cap how much you can bet with them, and remember that a boost adds nothing to a losing bet. Bonus bets earned through promotions are not cash and often expire within seven to 14 days.
For the offers live right now, see our page on promos at Massachusetts sportsbooks.
MA College Sports Betting (NCAA)
Massachusetts allows college betting with two firm limits. You cannot bet on any game involving a Massachusetts college team unless that team is playing in a tournament of four or more teams, such as March Madness, and player props on college athletes are banned for every school, in state or not.
A bowl game is a single game rather than a tournament, so in-state teams’ bowl games are off the board too. When a game involving a Massachusetts school is prohibited, the whole event is unavailable, including the opponent’s side and the total. The in-state programs these rules most often affect are:
- Boston College Eagles
- UMass Minutemen
- Harvard Crimson
- Holy Cross Crusaders
- Northeastern Huskies
How We Rate & Review Massachusetts Sportsbooks
Our rankings apply the same criteria to every licensed operator, as set out in our rating methodology. These are the areas our reviewers assess and what each one covers:
- Massachusetts markets: coverage depth for the four Boston teams.
- App experience: finding markets and placing live bets on a busy game day.
- Odds and bet options: prices and bet types on the same games across operators.
- Promotions: the actual terms, not just the headline figure.
- Payments: deposit and withdrawal methods available in Massachusetts.
- Customer support: contact channels and how they handle common problems.
- Licensing and safer gambling: a current MGC license and responsible gaming tools.
A sportsbook’s position reflects how it balances all of these. FanDuel ranks first because its parlay and live betting tools, local coverage and payment range are all strong, and its welcome offer has the fewest conditions attached. Caesars ranks above BetMGM because most Massachusetts bettors focus on the four Boston teams: Caesars’ rewards add value to every one of those bets, while BetMGM’s main advantage, markets beyond the major US leagues, matters to fewer of them. DraftKings is as strong as any book on local coverage but does not lead on parlays, rewards or market range, which places it fourth.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Laws – Key Details for MA Bettors
Sports betting in Massachusetts is legal under the state’s 2022 sports wagering law, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission enforces it. These are the rules that affect you directly.
Betting Within Massachusetts State Lines
You must be physically inside Massachusetts to place an online bet, but you do not need to live there. Each app checks your location before accepting a bet, so a visitor can bet from a Boston hotel, while a resident on a trip to New Hampshire cannot bet through a Massachusetts account.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC)
The MGC licenses operators, approves the events and bet types they can offer and enforces the rules, including fines for violations such as the credit card case above. It also runs the state’s voluntary self-exclusion program, covered in the responsible gambling section below.
Betting with Licensed MA Sites
Only the seven MGC-licensed online sportsbooks and the three retail sportsbooks can legally take bets from Massachusetts. Licensing gives you legal protection: the operator must follow state rules on account security, fair settlement and safer gambling tools, and the MGC can step in if it does not.
That protection is about regulation, not prices. Being licensed does not by itself mean a sportsbook has better odds or faster payouts than another. Offshore sites offer none of these protections, which leaves you without a regulator to turn to if they refuse to pay.
Tax on Winnings in Massachusetts
Sports betting winnings are taxable at both the federal and state level. For 2026, sportsbooks issue Form W-2G when a sports betting win reaches $2,000 and is at least 300 times the stake. Federal withholding of 24% applies when the win minus the stake exceeds $5,000 and the same 300-times rule is met. From 2026, taxpayers who itemize can deduct only 90% of their gambling losses federally, and never more than their winnings.
Massachusetts taxes gambling winnings as ordinary income at 5%, and payers withhold 5% for the state on winnings that are subject to federal withholding. The state also allows a deduction for losses from Massachusetts-licensed sports betting, casino and racing wagers, but only up to the amount of your winnings. These rules are a summary rather than tax advice, so check the IRS and Massachusetts Department of Revenue guidance and speak to a tax professional about your own situation.
Permitted & Prohibited Bets in Massachusetts
Moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, live bets and futures are available on the events the MGC approves, including the major US leagues. These limits apply:
- In-state college teams: no bets unless the team is in a tournament of four or more teams.
- College player props: banned for every college athlete.
- High school sports: no betting of any kind.
- Unapproved events: sportsbooks can only offer events on the MGC’s approved list.
Responsible Sports Betting in Massachusetts (Play Responsibly, 21+)
Betting should stay a form of entertainment, and Massachusetts requires every licensed sportsbook to offer tools that help you keep it that way, as our responsible gambling guide explains. The tips, tools and helplines below are free for anyone betting in the state.
Tips for Gambling Responsibly in Massachusetts
- Set a budget before you bet, and stop once you reach it.
- Treat betting as entertainment, not a way to pay bills.
- Don’t chase losses with bigger bets.
- Take a break if betting stops being enjoyable.
- Keep a record of your bets to see your habits clearly.
Utilizing Responsible Gaming Tools on MA Betting Sites
Every licensed sportsbook lets you set limits at sign-up or at any time afterward. These are the main tools and what each one does:
- Deposit limits: cap how much you can add each day, week or month.
- Bet limits: cap the size of your wagers.
- Time reminders: get alerts after a set time logged in.
- Cool-off periods: take a short break without closing your account.
- Voluntary Self-Exclusion: the MGC’s program bars you from every licensed sportsbook, online and retail, for one, three or five years, with a lifetime option available after a shorter term.
Massachusetts Problem Gambling Resources & Helplines
If betting ever feels out of control, for you or someone close to you, free and confidential help is available by phone, online or in person. Support available in Massachusetts includes:
- Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health: support and information at macgh.org.
- Voluntary Self-Exclusion: enroll by phone at 1-800-426-1234, online through a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org, or by contacting the MGC at 617-533-9737 or [email protected].
- 1-800-GAMBLER: national helpline, available 24/7.
-
Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support. 21+ and present in MA. Connect with a PlayWell Advisor at PlayWell.org.
Massachusetts Sports Betting FAQs
When did online sports betting launch in Massachusetts?
Online sports betting launched on March 10, 2023, following retail betting at the state’s three casinos on January 31, 2023. Seven online sportsbooks are licensed today.
What is the legal age for sports betting in MA?
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in Massachusetts, online or in person. Sportsbooks confirm your age when you open an account.
Can I bet on sports online anywhere in Massachusetts?
Yes, as long as you are physically inside the state when you place each bet. The app checks your location before accepting it.
What are the best MA sports betting apps?
Our top three are FanDuel, Caesars and BetMGM, followed by DraftKings, Fanatics and theScore Bet. Bally Bet is also licensed, making seven legal online sportsbooks in total.
Is bet365 available in Massachusetts?
No. bet365’s interest led the MGC to reopen applications in April 2026, but it does not hold a Massachusetts license.
Do I have to live in Massachusetts to bet on sports there?
No. You only need to be physically in Massachusetts when you place a bet.
Can I bet on Boston College or UMass?
Only when the team is in a tournament of four or more teams, such as March Madness. Regular-season games and bowl games are off the board, and college player props are banned in every case.
Can I use a credit card at Massachusetts sportsbooks?
No. Massachusetts bans credit card deposits, including through prepaid cards or e-wallets funded by a credit card.
Where are the retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts?
Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville run retail sportsbooks. All three hold Category 1 licenses from the MGC.
Who regulates sports betting in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) licenses every sportsbook, approves which events can be bet on and enforces the rules. It also runs the state’s voluntary self-exclusion program.
Are my sports betting winnings taxed in Massachusetts?
Yes. Winnings are taxable federally and by Massachusetts at 5%. The state allows a deduction for Massachusetts-licensed betting losses up to the amount of your winnings, and federal loss deductions are capped at 90% of losses from 2026.