Best Massachusetts Sportsbooks | Guide to Massachusetts Sports Betting 2024

• Fanatics Sportsbook Massachusetts
• ESPN BET Massachusetts

Signing up for multiple Massachusetts sports betting sites offers several advantages. It provides access to a wider range of betting options, competitive odds, and diverse promotions. Additionally, it allows users to compare and choose the best platforms, maximize bonuses, and take advantage of unique features offered by each site.

1. Better Odds: By signing up for multiple Massachusetts sports betting sites, Massachusetts bettors can compare odds across platforms and choose the ones that offer the most favorable payouts, ensuring a higher chance of profitability in the long run.
2. Massachusetts Sports Betting Promos: Accessing various platforms allows you to benefit from exclusive sign-up bonuses, bonus bets, enhanced odds, loyalty programs, and special promotions for major sporting events.
3. Bet Types Selection: Each platform offers its own unique range of wagers, and you gain access to a larger selection of bet types when you sign up with multiple sites.
4. Find Favorite Brands: Exploring different brands through multiple Massachusetts sports betting sites allows you to find the one that suits you best. Each platform has its own interface, user experience, and features.
5. House Rules: By signing up for multiple sites, you can familiarize yourself with each betting site's rules and choose the platform that aligns best with your specific needs and preferences.

Sports betting is legal in Massachusetts and has been since March 10, 2023. As a state with such a rich sporting history, it’s no surprise that Massachusetts is already establishing itself as one of the biggest U.S. sports betting markets with an increasing Massachusetts sports culture.

Massachusetts sports betting is legal for people 21 years or older, but it is restricted to those physically present in Massachusetts. 

The state allows betting on most professional sports, while betting on college sports in Massachusetts is partially limited. Betting on youth sports and inter-collegiate competitions is not allowed. Beyond team sports, you can bet on horse racing, daily fantasy sports, and eSports.

Licensing is handled by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) with specific license categories for different operators​.

Massachusetts sports betting law allows for up to 15 online sportsbooks; retail sportsbooks are also legal in casinos and racinos. Eight licenses are currently available, as Betr and WynnBET have exited the Massachusetts betting market.

Massachusetts online casinos are still unregulated.

Governor Charlie Baker signed HB 5164 on August 10, 2022, declaring betting legal in Massachusetts. 

While there was a broad agreement among Massachusetts lawmakers in the Massachusetts House of Representatives that legalizing sports betting would be a good move for the state, significant disagreements caused delays to every bill. Lawmakers debated the tax rate applied to Massachusetts betting sites and whether betting on in-state college teams should be banned. 

In the end, the final terms of HB 5164, titled the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act, were as follows:

• Casinos and racetracks can receive an MA sports betting license
• 15 online sports betting licenses are available, seven under a competitive tender process and eight allocated to land-based casinos or racetracks
• Online sports betting incurs a 20% tax rate
• Retail sports betting incurs a 15% tax rate
• Betting on in-state college teams is prohibited unless playing in a tournament of four or more teams

You are required to pay taxes if you earn winnings from Massachusetts betting sites. You must declare all your winnings to the IRS and complete a W-2G form if you win over $600. Mass sportsbooks can withhold up to 25% of your winnings as tax. You must also declare your winnings in your state income tax return, payable at a flat rate of 6.25%.

Massachusetts online sportsbooks are available to a select few organizations. Commercial Massachusetts casinos, racetracks or racinos, OTBs, and online operators can offer MA sports betting.

Under Massachusetts law, up to 15 online Massachusetts betting sites are allowed, and casinos and the three racetracks in the state are permitted to apply for sportsbook licenses as well.

Eight licenses are set aside for partnerships with a land-based partner, while seven licenses can be issued on a standalone basis. A Massachusetts license fee of $5.2 million is payable every five years.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates sports betting in Massachusetts and oversees casino gaming and horse racing. The MGC created the regulatory framework after HB 5164 was signed. Its mission statement is "to create a fair, transparent, and participatory process for implementing the expanded gaming law."

The group is comprised of five full-time commissioners who oversee all licensing and regulatory processes. The five commissioners who head up the Massachusetts Gaming Commission are aided by over 100 full-time staff.

Any sportsbook wanting to apply to offer legal sports betting in Massachusetts needs to go through a thorough investigation by the MGC to ensure that the company is fit for purpose.

Massachusetts shares a land border with five states, and all have made online and retail sports betting legal in Massachusetts. Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire all offer legal sports betting. All these states have the same restrictions for betting on in-state college teams.

Retail sports betting is legalized in Massachusetts, and there are three locations where you can bet in person. 

Caesars Sportsbook's deal to open a retail location at Raynham Park has stalled.

Banking options at Massachusetts sportsbooks include:

Deposits

• Credit/Debit Cards: Most sportsbooks accept major credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. They offer instant deposits, but some issuers may have restrictions.
• E-Wallets: Popular e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are often accepted. They provide secure and fast transactions.
• Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers allow you to move funds between your bank account and the sportsbook. Processing times may vary, and some banks may charge fees.
• Prepaid Cards: Sportsbooks may offer branded prepaid cards for convenient and secure deposits.

Withdrawals

• E-Wallets: Withdrawals to e-wallets like PayPal or Neteller are typically processed quickly, allowing you to access your funds promptly.
• Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers can also be used for withdrawals, but they may take a few business days to complete. Some sportsbooks charge fees for bank transfers.
• Check: Physical checks can be requested for withdrawals, but they usually have longer processing times and may incur additional fees.
• Cryptocurrencies: Some sportsbooks accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals, offering faster processing times and added privacy.

Fees and Considerations

• Fees: Sportsbooks may charge fees for certain deposit or withdrawal methods. Reviewing the terms and conditions to understand any associated fees is important.
• Processing Times: The processing times for deposits and withdrawals can vary depending on the chosen method. E-wallets generally offer faster transactions compared to bank transfers or checks.
• Verification Requirements: Sportsbooks may require verifying your identity before processing withdrawals. This typically involves providing identification documents.
• Minimum/Maximum Limits: The sportsbooks usually set minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal limits. Check the specific limits for each method.

It's important to note that banking options may vary between sportsbooks in Massachusetts. It's recommended that you review the available options and terms provided by the specific Massachusetts sportsbook you are using.

Massachusetts strongly promotes responsible gambling, with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission requiring sportsbooks to meet high standards for player protection. You can access a state-wide self-exclusion program to prohibit yourself from playing for a specific amount of time.

Many sportsbooks offer tools such as deposit limits and time-outs to ensure you can keep your gambling in check. Some organizations support problem gamblers and their families, such as the Massachusetts National Council for Problem Gambling and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health.

Choosing legal sportsbooks in Massachusetts is crucial to ensure a safe and protected betting experience. These regulated platforms offer several advantages over unlicensed or offshore operators.

• Consumer Protection: Consumer protection is paramount, as legal sportsbooks adhere to strict regulations, ensuring transparency and fair play.
• Reliable Payouts: Legal sportsbooks provide reliable payouts, eliminating concerns about withheld winnings. They also offer robust customer support, addressing any issues promptly.
• Robust Customer Support: Additionally, they contribute to the overall integrity of sports by detecting and preventing illegal activities, such as match-fixing.
• Sports Integrity: By choosing legal sportsbooks, bettors can have peace of mind, knowing their funds are secure and their wagers are placed within a regulated environment.

Starting to bet on sports in Massachusetts is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Choose a Licensed Sportsbook: Select a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated in Massachusetts. This ensures your betting experience is safe and fair.
2. Create an Account and Use the Welcome Bonus: Sign up for an account at your chosen sportsbook. Most offer a welcome bonus, which can boost your initial betting funds.
3. Verify Your Identity: To ensure security, you'll need to verify your identity. This usually involves providing a copy of your ID or passport.
4. Deposit Funds: You can add funds to your account. Most sportsbooks accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets.
5. Understand Bonuses and Promotions: Get familiar with the bonuses and promotions offered. These can provide extra betting funds or bonus bets.
6. Explore Betting Markets: Check out the different available betting markets. These can range from game outcomes to individual player performances.
7. Place Your Bets: Once you've done your research, it's time to place your bets. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the process.

Online sports betting launched in Massachusetts in March 2023, and the Bay State immediately became one of the biggest markets. Some of the best sports betting apps in the U.S. are now live in Massachusetts, and we've reviewed the best Massachusetts betting sites on this page. Keep checking this page to have the latest Massachusetts sports betting updates.

Sportsbook promos are on offer range from insured bets to bonus bets, so you can try your luck on several sites to take advantage of these great offers. If you're located in Massachusetts, you can bet using one of the Massachusetts betting apps available, meaning that you are always close to the action when betting on sports in Massachusetts.