Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

Online Sports Betting Massachusetts: When It Launched

Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5164 into law in August 2022, officially legalizing sports betting in Massachusetts.

• Retail sportsbooks launched on January 31, 2023.
  
  
• Online sportsbooks launched on March 10, 2023.
  
  

That fast rollout made Massachusetts one of the most recent but most robust markets in the online sports betting USA landscape.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Massachusetts?

Yes. Sports betting legal online is available across the state for anyone 21 or older. Geolocation confirms you’re inside Massachusetts before placing a wager.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates the industry, overseeing licenses, advertising, and consumer protections. This ensures every bet placed through licensed operators is safe and legal.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Massachusetts

As of 2025, Massachusetts has seven active online sports betting apps:

• DraftKings
  
  
• FanDuel
  
  
• Caesars
  
  
• BetMGM
  
  
• ESPN BET
  
  
• Bally Bet
  
  
• Fanatics Sportsbook
  
  

Example: A Patriots fan can open DraftKings, bet on New England +6 against the spread, add a Rhamondre Stevenson rushing yards prop, and parlay it with the over on total points. That’s a fully legal wager in Massachusetts.

The state allows up to 15 sportsbook licenses, meaning more online sports betting apps could arrive in the future.

Online Sports Betting How To: Step by Step

If you’re new to betting in Massachusetts, here’s how to get started:

1. Pick a licensed sportsbook app.
   
   
2. Download it on iOS or Android.
   
   
3. Create an account and verify your age.
   
   
4. Deposit money using debit, PayPal, or online banking.
   
   
5. Browse sports markets—NFL betting, NBA spreads, MLB totals, or NHL moneylines.
   
   
6. Choose your wager type: spread, moneyline, prop, or parlay.
   
   
7. Confirm and place your bet.
   
   

It’s fast, easy, and regulated. With sports betting legal online, players can wager confidently knowing protections are in place.

Taxes, Oversight, and Market Growth

Sports betting in Massachusetts is taxed at 20% on online bets and 15% on retail wagers. Revenue goes toward state programs and responsible gaming initiatives.

The market is already massive. In 2024, online sportsbooks generated more than $646 million in revenue, led by DraftKings and FanDuel. Monthly handles often reach hundreds of millions, especially during NFL betting season and March Madness.

The MGC continues to monitor apps closely, including advertising practices, to ensure compliance and player safety.

What You Can Bet On in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers a wide betting menu, from NFL betting to NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, and golf.

There are a few restrictions:

• You cannot bet on in-state college teams unless they’re playing in multi-team tournaments like March Madness.
  
  
• College player props are banned.
  
  
• High school sports are off-limits.
  
  

Outside of those rules, Massachusetts offers one of the most complete betting menus in the sports gambling legal states.

Massachusetts Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Massachusetts may be new to the game, but it has already joined the ranks of major online sports betting legal markets. With seven apps live and more licenses available, it rivals neighbors like New York and New Jersey.

The 20% online tax rate is higher than some states but still allows sportsbooks to thrive. With Boston-based DraftKings leading the charge, Massachusetts has quickly built one of the strongest markets in the country.

Online Sports Betting Example: Celtics Game Day

Picture this: the Boston Celtics are playing the Miami Heat. A bettor in Worcester opens FanDuel, takes the Celtics -4.5, adds Jayson Tatum over 25.5 points, and parlay it with the total points going over 215.

That three-leg parlay is legal and easy to place. Even with limits on in-state college bets, Massachusetts players enjoy a wide range of betting markets for NFL betting, NBA, and pro sports across the board.

Challenges and Responsible Gaming

Like other states, Massachusetts faces challenges around responsible gaming. A recent survey showed some players are spending more and seeing personal impacts from betting. Regulators are pushing stricter ad rules and responsible gaming tools to address this.

The MGC’s oversight ensures Massachusetts stays a safe and regulated environment compared to offshore or unlicensed operators.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Massachusetts

The future looks strong. More sportsbooks are expected to apply for licenses, new promos will keep competition hot, and betting volume should keep climbing.

Massachusetts has already established itself as one of the most important East Coast markets, blending regulation with competitive sportsbook options. NFL betting will continue to anchor growth, while basketball and baseball keep demand high year-round.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Massachusetts

Online sports betting Massachusetts is legal, safe, and thriving. With seven apps live, retail sportsbooks open, and strong regulation, bettors can enjoy everything from NFL betting to NBA props.

Massachusetts may have limits on college betting, but the market is competitive and player-friendly. It stands out among sports gambling legal states as one of the newest but strongest hubs in the online sports betting USA map.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.