Best Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites 2023
Massachusetts is one of the most recent states to legalize sports betting. The announcement came in 2022, but it wasn’t until the end of January 2023 that residents of MA could make the first legal sports bets. A couple of months later, online sports betting became available. Six sportsbooks launched mobile betting apps in Massachusetts with four more planning launches later this year. Sports betting in the Bay State is still in its infancy, meaning we could see even more sportsbooks enter the state over the next few years.
This guide is here to help you find the best Massachusetts sports betting sites. We have examined every service available in the state, including the promotions and the sports you can bet on. If this is your first time making a sports bet, there are lots of aspects to consider. That is why we have compiled everything there is to know about sports betting in MA. Once you have read our guide, you will have all the information needed to choose the best online sportsbook in Massachusetts.
Bet $5 or More on Any Sport for $200 in Free Bets
New players only, must be located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WY, or WV. Must be 21+ or 18+ in WY. Free bets are valid for seven days or 168 hours from when the free bet appears in your account. Free bet values are not included in returns or winnings from any wager. The free bets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and can not be transferred for cash. One welcome bonus per customer.
- Refer a Friend for a $100 Free Bet
- Daily Free to Play Prize Pools
- Enjoy a Variety of Promotions During Important Sporting Events
$3,000 Risk-Free Bet
New players only. Place your first wager at the FanDuel Sportsbook for a risk-free bet worth up to $3,000. Must be over 21 years of age and physically located in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY. To qualify, you must make a deposit of at least ten dollars on any sporting event at FanDuel. If your wager loses, you can get up to $3,000 in free bets.
- Place a $20 Four+ Leg Parlay on College Football and get $10 in Free Bets
- Refer a Friend for a Bonus Worth $75
- Place an NFL 4+ Leg Same Game Parlay and Get Free Bets if your Wager Loses
Get a Risk-Free Bet Worth up to $1,250
Register a new Caesars Sportsbook account to receive a risk-free bet worth up to $1,250. New players will also receive 1,000 reward credits and 1,000 tier credits. The free bet for this promotion is only paid out if your wager loses and is worth up to $1,250. Free bets must be used within 14 days of receipt. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. Your first wager must be worth $10 or more to qualify. The free bet is a onetime wager that cannot be divided into multiple wagers.
- Refer a Friend for a $100 Free Bet
- 33% NFL Parlay Boost
- Ticket Giveaways for NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL Games
Best Sportsbook for Massachusetts Players
Betting on sports has not been legal in Massachusetts for long. That means a lot of players will be making sports bets for the first time. What should a new player look for before signing up for an online sportsbook? The first aspect to consider is the welcome bonus. This is a promotion to help newbies get started. Plus, you will also need to check the sports on offer, the payment methods, and the options you have to withdraw any winnings. In the sections below, we go into great detail explaining each service in MA, giving you an idea of what each sportsbook is like to use without having to try it yourself.
If you find the summary does not go into enough detail, we have individual reviews for the best sportsbooks in Massachusetts. This is where you can find more detailed explanations of the sports betting service and all the features you can find. Sports betting can seem intimidating to new players, but once you have read this guide, you will have a concrete understanding of all the online sportsbooks in MA.
Rank | Sportsbooks | Legal in | Bonus | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DraftKings | AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Bet $5 or More on Any Sport for $200 in Free Bets | |
2 | FanDuel | AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | $3,000 Risk-Free Bet | |
3 | Caesars | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Get a Risk-Free Bet Worth up to $1,250 | |
4 | BetMGM | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Start With a $1,000 Risk-Free Bet | |
5 | WynnBET | AZ, CO, IN, LA, MA, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA | Bet $100 for a $100 free bet | |
6 | Barstool | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV | $1,000 New Player Bonus |
1. DraftKings
If you are looking to join the most popular sportsbook in America, DraftKings is a brilliant choice. Not only is the service widely available, in 21 states, but it is at the forefront of sports-related gambling. That includes one of the best fantasy sports services in the country and a variety of other exciting features, such as the NFT Marketplace. The Marketplace acts as a safe place to invest, buy, or sell limited edition sport NFTS. If you have never experimented with cryptocurrencies, the DraftKings Marketplace could be the easiest way to dip your toe into the water.
The sportsbook quickly became a popular choice in Massachusetts thanks to a wide collection of sports. There are 24 events from around the world to bet on, plus a collection of leagues from every continent. DraftKings does not put out promotions every week for players to enjoy. Instead, the sportsbook will offer bonuses when big sporting events are coming. For example, there were various promos during March Madness and some exciting offers for the Masters. Overall, if you are a fan of sports and want to join the best sportsbook in Massachusetts, DraftKings is the one for you.
2. FanDuel
Many consider FanDuel to be the closest rival to DraftKings. Both services began offering fantasy sports contests, and now they have entered Massachusetts with online sportsbooks for players to enjoy. There are several differences between these two sports betting sites and a lot of similarities. They offer some of the best odds across multiple sports, plus there is a wonderful variety of markets to bet on. The fundamental difference is that FanDuel offers promotions more consistently than DraftKings. If you are a fan of promotions, you will get more of a chance at FanDuel.
Besides the promotions, FanDuel also offers a fantastic live betting service. This is where members can watch sports using a live stream and make use of detailed statistics. These stats can help inform you about the team’s performances to help you make a winning wager. If you are thinking about also signing up for fantasy sports contests, both services have a lot to celebrate. DraftKings offers a wider range of sports for players to sample and often much larger prizes. FanDuel has a better system to ensure they match players with others around the same skill level. Joining either DraftKings or FanDuel for the sportsbook or fantasy sports competitions is a brilliant move as they are up there with the best in America.
3. Caesars
Caesars has stepped up recently in several ways. The sportsbook is offering promotions more consistently and they are offering more sports to choose from as well. There are over 20 events for residents of Massachusetts to bet on at Caesars, making it one of the best-equipped sportsbooks in the state. The promotions available include profit boosts for sports like the NBA and MLB, plus free bets when you make futures on the NHL, MLB, and NBA. Caesars was also offering players bet insurance for big events like the Masters and competitions to win season tickets or a luxurious holiday.
The sportsbook also has a great live betting section full of stats for players to use. They do not support live streams, but they offer players a fancy graphic showing the game as it unfolds. To help players make bets, Caesars offers an enormous collection of boosted bets. This can include parlays, same game parlays, and straight bets with increased odds. The boosted wagers apply to a variety of sports, including the MLB, EPL, and Golf. One last feature to consider is the reward system at Caesars. Players who create an account can collect points at the online sportsbook or any retail casino in America. You can trade these points for hotel stays, discounted travel, and a tremendous variety of exciting prizes.
4. BetMGM
BetMGM shares a lot of similarities with Caesars. They are both responsible for a variety of brick-and-mortar casinos across America, and they also offer an excellent online sportsbook. Both mobile apps for Caesars and BetMGM are two of the easiest to use for new players in Massachusetts. Plus, each sportsbook has around 25 markets for players to bet on, with BetMGM offering obscure events like the Biathlon.
The live betting system at BetMGM is better than Caesars, as players can watch some sporting events using a live stream. The stats at BetMGM are also excellent for live bettors looking to make an informed wager. In other states, the number of promotions available has steadily decreased throughout the season, but in Massachusetts, there is an excellent selection to choose from. They had free bets for the Masters and a $10 free bet for the new MLB season. BetMGM operates an exciting reward system just like Caesars, where players can claim some fabulous prizes. We do not recommend joining a sportsbook just for the rewards, but it can be a pleasant surprise for loyal players.
5. WynnBET
The WynnBET Sportsbook is traditionally a lot smaller than the competition. Meaning you won’t find obscure events like snooker, rugby, or cycling at this sports betting site. Instead, it focuses on the most popular sports to bet on in America. That means if you are looking to bet on the NFL, MLB, or big events like the Masters, then WynnBET has got you covered. If you are more of an adventurous sports fan, the selection is a little underwhelming.
However, to make up for the small selection, WynnBET is usually full of promotions. These promotions give players lots of opportunities to claim free bets and various other bonuses. Seeing as WynnBET is so new to Massachusetts, a lot of these bonuses are yet to appear in the sportsbook. It could be a matter of time for the bonuses to roll out, or Massachusetts might miss out on one of WynnBet’s best features. Comparing WynnBET MA to other states, there is a major difference. The sportsbook has undergone a much-needed facelift. The design is considerably better for mobile and touchscreen devices, making WynnBET a superb choice.
6. Barstool
Barstool is now available in Massachusetts, both in person and on your mobile device. The Plainridge Park Casino has a brand new Barstool sports betting lounge for players to enjoy and residents can now download a copy of the Barstool Sportsbook to their mobile device. The sports betting site has a good range of markets to bet on, including a mix of popular and unique events. Barstool has also stepped up the number of promotions available. Including various promos for golf, the NBA, and MLB.
The sportsbook is not as large as the biggest in Massachusetts, but it has more sports available than WynnBET. The mobile app is a particular favorite of ours, as there are several tools to help you create wagers. You can easily adjust the size of a spread bet thanks to the slider, plus they separate wagers on different tabs. There is a connection between the sports-based content created by the team and the online sportsbook. Sometimes, players can choose bets created by the Barstool personalities. These wagers have boosted returns and can give you a good idea of what to bet on.
7. Betway – Coming Soon
On February 28, 2023, Betway received a license to operate a mobile sportsbook in Massachusetts. However, given the official launch for online sports betting was on March 10, Betway is a long way from releasing a sports betting app in the state. While we do not know an exact launch date, we can expect to see Betway MA later this year.
8. Bally Bet – Coming Soon
Bally Bet also received a license to operate in Massachusetts and they announced the service will not launch in March. Bally Bet should go live in May 2023, around two months after the official launch date. The Bally Bet Sportsbook is widely available across the U.S. and has undergone a redesign over the past few months. Hopefully, when Bally Bet launches, we will have access to a high-quality online sportsbook.
9. Betr – Coming Soon
They scheduled Betr to go live around the same time as the official launch but had to push the date back. Now it is looking likely that Betr will become available around April 2023. The service offered at Betr is a little different from your traditional sportsbook, as it focuses on microbetting. This is where you bet on minor events, such as the outcome of the next play or free throw. It offers a unique way to bet on sports but is more suited to experienced bettors.
10. Fanatics – Coming Soon
The Fanatics Sportsbook has a license to operate in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Ohio. However, the service is not yet operational in any of the three approved states. A spokesperson confirmed Fanatics won’t be able to meet the March launch date and has pushed it back to May. There are lots of rumors flying around about the service, but this is all we know for sure.
The History of Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Every state in America has a unique experience in sports betting. Some were at the forefront of legalization; others have taken a long time to get the infrastructure in place. Massachusetts certainly falls into the latter category as it has only recently legalized online sportsbooks. The decision to allow states to legalize sports betting came in 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
Why did it take so long for sports betting to launch in Massachusetts? Well, to give you an insight into what caused delays and when each service launched, we have created a helpful timeline below. This is where you can see a breakdown of all the important events to affect sports betting in MA over the past few years.
- February 22, 1992: Sen Dennis DeConcini introduced the PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) to the Senate. The bill aims to prohibit sports betting across America.
- June 2, 1992: The Senate votes in favor of passing the bill with 88 for and only five votes against it.
- October 28, 1992: President Bush signs the PASPA into law making sports betting illegal across America. A select few locations can still make sports wagers, such as Nevada.
- June 2017: It takes years of failed campaigns before the Supreme Court will listen to oral arguments against the 1992 PASPA.
- May 2018: The Supreme Court rules in favor of abolishing the PASPA as it is not constitutional. Now, each state can decide to legalize and regulate sports betting if there is enough public support.
- July 2020: Two years of legal sports betting pass without Massachusetts proposing legislation toward legalization.
- November 2020: MA lawmakers omit any sports betting provisions from the 2021 budget, confirming residents will have to wait another year before they legalize sports betting.
- February 2021: Gov Charlie Baker introduces a bill to legalize sports betting.
- July 2021: The House votes in favor of HB 3993 with 156 votes and only three against, paving the way for sports betting in Massachusetts.
- August 1, 2022: After months of deliberating, the commission reached an agreement to bring sports betting to the state.
- August 10, 2022: Baker signs the bill into law, officially confirming online and retail sports betting will be legal in Massachusetts.
- October 8, 2022: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission confirms the launch of retail sportsbooks in January 2023 and online sports betting to go live in March.
- January 31, 2023: Retail sports betting is now legal in Massachusetts with three casinos opening sports betting lounges on opening day.
- February 17, 2023: Fantatics confirms that the sports betting app will not be ready for the March release. The new launch date is penciled in for May.
- February 28, 2023: Betway receives a license to operate in the state. There is no official launch date for the mobile sportsbook.
- March 10, 2023: Online sports betting is now legal in Massachusetts, and six sportsbooks have launched in the state. Players can now bet with DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, WynnBET, and Barstool.
- April 6, 2023: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission rejects DraftKings’ request to take wagers on the Boston Marathon.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Apps
Sports betting apps are the most convenient way for Massachusetts residents to wager on sporting events as they provide players access to the latest odds anywhere in the state. It allows players to be in greater control of their cash, as you can deposit, cash out, and withdraw without having to visit a retail location. Sports betting apps offer freedom and control, which you won’t find anywhere else. Below is a list of all the sportsbooks with mobile apps you can use today.
iOS and Android
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Caesars
- BetMGM
- WynnBET
- Barstool
Launch Dates of Massachusetts Gambling Websites
Massachusetts has several locations where players can make sports wagers in person. This is especially useful to anyone who is struggling to watch a big game or players who want to make bets using cash. We created a table of the sports betting lounges in the state of Massachusetts, plus the date when the doors were opened.
Sportsbook | Retail Location | Opening Date | Sportsbook Launch Date |
---|---|---|---|
WynnBET | Encore Boston Harbor | June 23, 2019 | January 31, 2023 |
BetMGM | MGM Springfield | August 24, 2018 | January 31, 2023 |
Barstool | Plainridge Park Casino | March 17, 1999 | January 31, 2023 |
N/A | Aquinnah Cliffs Casino | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
N/A | First Light Casino & Resort | Coming Soon | Coming Soon |
Sports betting is very new to Massachusetts, so you can expect to see some new sportsbooks and online apps launch over the next few months. Staying updated with the latest launches can be tricky, so make sure you revisit this page in a few months to see what else has changed. If you want to know when each online sports betting service launched, check out the timeline in the section above.
Who can Legally Bet on Sports in Massachusetts?
States across America all have different rules for sports betting. That is because some states allow players as young as 18 to make wagers and others only permit sports bets in retail locations. To help make things clear, we have listed all the most important rules and aspects to consider for Massachusetts in the list below.
- Legal Age: The legal age to make sports bets in Massachusetts is 21 years of age or older. That means if you want to register for a sportsbook, be it in person or online, you must be 21 years or older.
- Mobile Betting: Using a mobile device to make sports bets in Massachusetts is completely legal. There are several mobile apps to choose from, some of which are excellent for new players to use.
- State Lines: To make a valid bet in Massachusetts, you must be within state lines. That means, once you leave the state, you can’t place a bet. You can still access your account remotely to deposit or withdraw.
- Retail Locations: There are retail locations for residents of Massachusetts to enjoy. These betting lounges have an assortment of enormous TV screens, many comfy seats, and some food to help ease any suffering on game day.
- Remote Registration: Massachusetts allows players from inside the state to register remotely. You do not need to visit a retail location to create a valid sports betting account. Simply download a mobile app and make your way through the registration process. If you want some help registering, we have a step-by-step guide at the bottom of this page.
Online Sports Betting Markets MA
Each sportsbook in MA has an original collection of events to bet on. Some focus on the most popular sports across America, whereas others support events taking place all over the globe. To help save you time, we have a table of all the sportsbooks in Massachusetts plus the markets they have available. Some sports are seasonal, meaning they might not be available when you register.
Markets | DraftKings | FanDuel | Caesars | BetMGM | WynnBET | Barstool |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aussie Rules | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Baseball | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Basketball | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Biathlon | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Boxing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cricket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Cycling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Darts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Football | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Formula 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Formula E | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Golf | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Handball | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Hockey | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IndyCar | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Lacrosse | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
MMA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MotoGP | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
NASCAR | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
There are a few aspects to consider when looking at the list of sports available. For starters, the sportsbooks with the most markets will also have the most leagues. That means you can bet on soccer games in Europe, basketball in South America, and baseball in Asia. Plus, the most equipped sportsbooks will often allow wagers on annual events, such as the Oscars. If you are looking to bet on events far and wide, choosing them from this list is not a bad idea.
What can’t you Bet on in Massachusetts?
In every state, there are events you cannot bet on. These rules change in every state depending on the legislation. Some states allow players to bet on award ceremonies and eSports competitions. Others are far more restrictive, including stopping residents from betting on college-level sports. Below is a list of the events you can’t bet on in Massachusetts.
- Politics
- High School Sports
- In-State College Teams (Unless in a tournament)
- Olympic Events Decided by Judges
- Jai Alai
- eSports
- Cornhole
- Chess
These rules can change, but they are set in stone for now. To legalize betting on something like eSports takes years of campaigning and votes before we see any genuine change. That does not mean you should lose hope. Rules do change regarding sports betting, it just takes time. For now, just enjoy the events and sports you can bet on in Massachusetts.
Types of Bets at Massachusetts Online Sportsbooks
Seeing as we have established what you can’t bet on in Massachusetts, let’s look at the wagers you can place. Every sportsbook in MA supports a wide selection of bets. That includes simple wagers like the moneyline or complex bets like the round robin. In the list below, you will find all the bets you can place at sports betting sites in Massachusetts.
- Moneyline
- Proposition Bet
- Spread Bet
- Over Under
- Live Bet
- Parlay
- Future Bet
- Same Game Parlay
- Round Robin
- Teasers
While every sportsbook supports these wagers, some are better equipped than others. Take BetMGM as an example. The BetMGM sportsbook can offer hundreds of bets for one event, such as an MLB game or NBA. A smaller sports betting site, like Bally Bet, might only offer a fraction of the wagers. If variety is important to you, make sure you check the bets offered before you sign up.
Tax Rate for Online Gambling Massachusetts
All states require players who make money from gambling to declare their winnings. That means whatever you win from sports betting is taxable. Most states have a graduated tax system. This is where the more money you earn in a year, the more you have to pay taxes This is important as when you file your taxes, you need to declare your winnings as a source of income. Meaning your annual salary and your sports betting success combine into one total.
Massachusetts has a flat tax band for all residents at 5%. That means you can apply a five percent tax rate in your mind for your gambling winnings in MA. However, there are other tax considerations to make outside of the state tax, such as Federal and social security contributions. That means the amount you will pay in tax on your gambling winnings depends on how much you earn in a year. This is because the amount of Federal or FICA tax increases depending on your annual income. If you want a rough estimation of how much tax you will pay, use an online tax calculator for Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Revenue
For those of you who don’t know, sports betting is new to Massachusetts. The state legalized retail betting at the end of January this year and mobile sports betting platforms only launched on March 10, 2023. That means there is very little data to examine when looking at the revenue generated by sports betting. Make sure you check back here in a couple of months to see the latest information.
February 2023 | Handle | Revenue |
---|---|---|
Encore Boston Harbor | $16.9M | $857,602.14 |
MGM Springfield | $1.7M | $262,066.08 |
Plainridge Park Casino | $7.0M | $890,555.32 |
Total | $25.7M | $2.0M |
In one month, three casinos handled $25.7 million in sports bets. That led to just over two million dollars in revenue; an impressive start when you consider that only three locations in Massachusetts took sports bets that month. Usually, retail figures make up a small amount of the annual revenue for sports betting when compared to online sportsbooks. It will be interesting to see if that is the case for MA and how much the combined revenue streams are worth.
Payment Methods at MA Sportsbooks
There are many important aspects to consider when joining a sports betting site in Massachusetts, such as the collection of sports for players to bet on. But, new players often overlook the importance of checking the payment methods before they sign up. That is because most players won’t know what withdrawal methods are available until they have winnings in their account. This may not sound like an issue, but some sportsbooks have tight restrictions over which withdrawal or deposit methods are available. The result is players having to wait long periods or having to argue with support agents to receive their funds.
Therefore, we have created the following sections to help players stay in control of their funds. Below we have two tables. One shows all the deposit methods currently available at sports betting sites in Massachusetts and the other has all the withdrawal options. Make sure that when you sign up for a sports betting platform the service you join supports your preferred payment options. You do not need to join a sportsbook with the most options, just choose a service that is convenient for you.
Deposits
Given how new sports betting is to Massachusetts, there are only a handful of sportsbooks available to residents. With that being said, each sports betting site has a unique collection of deposit methods to choose from. Some of the online sports betting sites in MA have retail casino locations where you can make bets in person using cash. Other sportsbooks only offer online payment options, such as PayPal and eChecks.
Deposit Methods | DraftKings | FanDuel | Caesars | BetMGM | WynnBET | Barstool |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Visa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mastercard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Discover | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
PayPal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
eCheck | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PayNearMe | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Play+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wire Transfer | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cash | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Venmo | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Most deposit methods are instant, meaning you can make wagers as soon as you click deposit. Each sportsbook also provides all players with responsible gambling tools to help avoid overspending or other gambling issues. We recommend all players examine responsible gambling tools before they make wagers.
Withdrawals
Everything we have mentioned about deposits also applies to withdrawals. Each service in Massachusetts has a unique collection of withdrawal methods for players to choose from. Some of these methods aim to have your funds in your account within 24 hours, others may take between three and five business days. In our experience, PayPal and Play+ are the quickest methods to receive your winnings, but that can vary depending on when you make a withdrawal request. Below is a table showing each sports betting site in MA, plus the withdrawal methods they support.
Withdrawl Methods | DraftKings | FanDuel | Caesars | BetMGM | WynnBET | Barstool |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Visa | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Mastercard | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
PayPal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
eCheck | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Play+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wire Transfer | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Venmo | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Cash | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
We must mention the security measures some sports betting platforms have in place. This is where certain withdrawal methods are not available to players until they make a qualifying deposit. For example, you can’t make a withdrawal to your PayPal account until you have used this method to deposit funds into the sportsbook. This security measure helps prohibit a hacker from gaining access to your account and withdrawing all your winnings.
Promotions and Bonuses at Massachusetts Betting Websites
In this guide, we have mentioned several promotions. Whether it is a risk-free welcome bonus or a free bet to help you make a wager during a big sporting event, there are lots of promos to consider. However, being able to spot a good promo is a skill that takes a lot of refining. To help new players hone this skill, we have created a list of all the most common bonuses available in Massachusetts. Use the information provided to compare promos at different sportsbooks to see which ones are the best.
Promotion | Explanation | Example |
---|---|---|
Free Bet | This promotion allows you to bet on events without using your cash funds. If your bet wins, you get to keep all the profit. | Bet $25 on a NFL future for a $10 free bet. |
Risk-Free Bet | Usually a form of welcome bonus where your first wager is covered if you lose. A losing bet will see your stake matched using free bets. | Sign up to FanDuel for a risk-free bet worth up to $1,000 for all new players. |
Deposit Match | The sportsbook will match what you deposit either using free bets or cash funds. | Deposit $50 on a Monday for a 50% deposit match in free bets. |
Odds Boost | This is where the sportsbook will increase the odds of a wager, making it more profitable if it comes true. | The Lakers to make the playoffs, was +100 now +250. |
Bet Insurance | Just like a risk-free bet where a player will get a refund in free bets if the bet fails in a certain way. Can apply to straight bets as well as parlays. | Money back as a free bet if your parlay fails by one leg. |
Profit Boost | This is where you get to increase the odds of your wager using a profit boost token. This can apply to multi-sport parlays as well as a variety of straight bets. | Get a 33% MLB profit boost when you bet on the next World Series champion. |
Free Bets
If you are yet to experience sports betting, free bets can often be the best type of promotion. That is because they give players the freedom to bet on whatever sport they want, plus the chance to bet without losing cash. The free bet is a separate total from any of your cash deposits. That means you can’t withdraw a free bet, but it also means you can use them to win actual money. If you make a winning wager with a free bet, you get to keep all the profit.
The only downside to a free bet is that you don’t get to keep the value of the wager. Whether it’s a $5 free bet or $50, it expires once you place your wager; or if you don’t use it within the timeframe. That means a free bet is only worth something if you win your next wager by using it. If your bet fails, then you did not lose any money, and you did not win any. Either way, you can’t lose any cash using a free wager.
Best Sites for Free Bets
Promotions change at every sportsbook throughout the year. One sports betting site that offers lots of free bets now may offer little in a few months To help you avoid baron periods, below we have a list of the most prolific sportsbooks that give promos out throughout the year. Remember, online sports betting has only been legal in Massachusetts since March, meaning it is too early to tell which service is the best in MA. Instead, the sites listed below are the best on average when looking across America.
- Caesars: Bet $50 on the NBA Championship Winner or NHL Stanley Cup Winner for a $25 free bet. Get a $100 free bet when you refer a friend.
- BetMGM: Get a $20 free bet when you place $50 or more on a Stanley Cup Winner and the team makes the final. You can also receive a $50 free bet for each friend you refer.
- WynnBET: New players who sign up and bet $100 will get $100 in free bets to use.
- FanDuel: Any new member who bets $5 will receive $150 worth of free bets.
Risk-Free Bets
This type of promotion is common in Massachusetts, as many sportsbooks use a risk-free bet welcome bonus. This bonus helps new players get started as the sports betting site will cover your stake if your first bet loses. The size of this promotion varies at each site. Some will give you a free bet equal to your stake and others will give you a series of smaller wagers to use.
Best Sites for Risk-Free Bets
The sportsbooks below all have fantastic welcome offers to help new players bet with confidence. However, what you might not know is that there are specific terms and conditions you must meet to qualify for this bonus. Ensure you read the fine print before you sign up to avoid missing out on your promo.
- Caesars: New players get a risk-free bet worth up to $1,250 when they register, plus 1,000 reward and tier credits.
- Barstool: Any new player gets a $1,000 risk-free bet if their first wager loses.
- BetMGM: Get up to $1,000 paid back in free bets if your first wager does not win. Plus, get up to $25 back if your NBA same game parlay fails by one leg.
Odds Boosts
The odds boost is a promotion with two variants. One is where the sportsbook will increase the odds of certain wagers for sporting events. The other is where you get the chance to increase the payout of your wager. The latter is less common as every sports betting platform in Massachusetts has boosted odds, but a select few give players profit boosts to enjoy as well. Below are the best sites for both promotions.
Best Sites for Odds Boosts
- Caesars: Anyone can claim two NBA same game parlay profit boosts worth 33% when they opt in for the promotion.
- FanDuel: Scheffler, Spieth, and Morikawa to make the cut at RBC Heritage, was -130 now +120.
Comparison of Massachusetts Online Sportsbooks
At this point in the review, it is useful to have an overview look at the sportsbooks available in Massachusetts. Currently, there are six online sportsbooks taking bets in MA with four more launchings sometime this year. The four remaining online sports betting sites have received a license to operate from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, meaning it is only a matter of time before they launch. The table below has some information about which sports betting site has the most markets and whether you can visit a retail location.
Sportsbook | Markets | Retail Location | Fantasy Sports |
---|---|---|---|
DraftKings | 24 | No | Yes |
FanDuel | 20 | No | Yes |
Caesars | 24 | No | No |
BetMGM | 25 | Yes | No |
WynnBET | 13 | Yes | No |
Barstool | 19 | Yes | No |
Both retail and online sports betting is legal in Massachusetts right now. That means you do not need to wait for other services to launch later this year. You can join one of the six sportsbooks operating in the state. When a new sports betting platform launches, we will update our guide with the latest information.
Best for Sport
If you are looking to bet on sports from Europe, Asia, and South America, then you want to join a sportsbook with the most markets available. These sports betting sites usually offer the most leagues for popular events like soccer and basketball, allowing you to bet on sports from multiple continents. Given how new sports betting is to Massachusetts, the range of options may gradually increase when they start relaxing the rules.
- BetMGM
- Caesars
- DraftKings
If you are looking to bet on sports like football, baseball, or hockey, you don’t have to worry about which service to join. That is because every sportsbook in MA has these events on offer, plus a promotion or two as well. Joining any of the six sportsbooks will give you access to the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.
Best for Fantasy Sports
As far as fantasy sports betting goes, there are dozens of providers available across America, but only two also offer online sports betting in Massachusetts. DraftKings and FanDuel provide an excellent online sportsbook plus an exciting fantasy sports service. There are a lot of similarities between the two, including the opportunity to enter events for free and challenge your friends.
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
The fundamental difference between the two is that DraftKings can offer much larger prizes. If you are feeling brave and ready to take on the world, there are some huge prize pools to enter at DraftKings. If you are a new player and want to take things slow, FanDuel is a better option. That is because they have an excellent ranking system to ensure you are playing opponents around your skill level. Plus, the FanDuel mobile app is easy for anyone to use, whether you are going to make sports bets or enter daily fantasy competitions.
Best Mobile Apps
Another aspect to consider before you decide which online sportsbook to join is the mobile app. Every sports betting provider in Massachusetts has a mobile app, but which ones are the easiest for players to use? Some sportsbooks have a mix of tools to help you create or locate wagers, such as the parlay builder at BetMGM. Other sports betting apps have sliders to help you adjust the size of a spread bet, like Barstool. Below are the mobile apps we found the easiest for all players to use.
- FanDuel
- Caesars
- BetMGM
If you have sports betting experience, then you can join any of the mobile sportsbooks in MA. But, if you are looking for a helping hand in getting started, any of the apps we list are a great place to begin. That is because some sports betting sites have intimidating displays full of hundreds of different wagers. The mobile apps above are far more precise and considerate for new players to use, helping you make bets quicker and without having to look as hard.
How to Get Started at Massachusetts Sportsbooks
If you have decided and want to sign up for a sports betting site for the first time, this next section is here to help. Below, we walk you through the step-by-step procedure you will need to complete if you want to register at a sportsbook. This section is important as several online sportsbooks require players to enter a special promo code when signing up to claim a bonus. Forgetting to do so may cause you to miss out on the welcome offer.
Step 1
The first step is to download a copy of the mobile sportsbook to your smartphone or tablet. You can also register online using your PC or Mac. Next, check the welcome offer before continuing to the registration page. This is because you might need to copy the special promo code and it’s a good idea to read the terms and conditions. You can find out if there are any terms you need to follow to avoid losing out on your welcome bonus. This includes betting on events with odds greater than -200 or depositing a certain amount once you are verified. Always check the terms and conditions before signing up.
Step 2
Now that you know what the welcome offer requires, it’s time to register. You will need to enter your email address, choose a password, and some sportsbooks require you to create a username as well. Several sports betting sites may ask for the optional promo code at this point. This is where you can paste a friend’s referral code or the code for the welcome bonus we mentioned in the step above.
Step 3
The next stage involves entering your personal information. This includes your full name, address, date of birth, and even your cell phone number. Once this is all complete, the sportsbook will ask you for the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Online sports betting sites are required to ask for this information as they use it to verify your identity. Some platforms may allow players to use other forms of identification at this step, for example, your driver’s license.
Step 4
Now that you have created an account, you will need to verify it. You can achieve this by clicking through an activation email or entering a code sent to your cell phone. You must complete this step to have access to the online sports betting platform. Failing to verify your account means you are not eligible to make a valid deposit.
Step 5
It is worth checking the welcome offer terms and conditions one more time before you make your first deposit. Then you will know exactly what you need to do for your first wager. Once this is out of the way, you are free to deposit and bet as much or little as you like. It’s at this point you should also check the responsible gambling tools before you get carried away. These tools can help you control your spending by setting deposit limits on your account.
Responsible Gambling in Massachusetts
Having spent several years gambling, we feel obliged to share some of our experience and give new players useful advice. All sports betting sites in Massachusetts have responsible gambling tools you should use, even if you are not concerned with how much you are spending. There are lots of helpful features you can access to give you an idea of how much you won versus your expenditure. Staying on top of this can help you enjoy sports betting a lot more, by avoiding unnecessary losses.
If this is your first-time sports betting, it does not hurt to take a break. What we mean is you do not need to bet on every game or every week. If you are on a streak of unsuccessful wagers, it can help to take a week out without spending money. You can check to see what bets you would have placed and then evaluate if any of them would have been winners. If you avoided a bunch of unsuccessful wagers, then you saved a lot of cash and hassle. Responsible gambling tools can help you with these situations by temporarily locking your account to stop you from placing wagers. This may sound extreme, but it has saved us from a lot of mistakes over the years.
Massachusetts Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sports bet online in Massachusetts?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal in Massachusetts. Retail sports betting has been legal since January 31, 2023, and they legalized online sports betting on March 10, 2023. Anyone over the age of 21 can make a legal sports bet in MA.
Is DraftKings legal in Massachusetts?
Yes. DraftKings is legal in Massachusetts. It launched on the first day of online sports betting in the state, which was March 10, 2023. You can make online sports bets using the DraftKings Sportsbook anywhere in MA.
Is bet365 available in Massachusetts?
No. Bet365 applied for a license to operate in Massachusetts, but it withdrew before the official launch in March 2023. That means Bet365 is not one of the approved sportsbooks operating in MA and it will probably stay that way.
What gambling is legal in Massachusetts?
Sports betting has been legal in Massachusetts since January 2023. This is where players could make sports wagers if they visited a retail location. In March 2023, the state relaxed the rules to allow online sportsbooks to operate within state lines. There are six sportsbooks available right now, with four more preparing to launch.
Can Massachusetts residents bet on FanDuel?
FanDuel is one of the six licensed online sportsbooks currently operating in Massachusetts. Four more sportsbooks have licenses to operate in MA and they will launch later this year, but FanDuel has been available since March 10, 2023.
Is offshore betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, but that comes with substantial risk. Offshore sportsbooks are not regulated, meaning they can be deceiving. Licensed sports betting sites have to follow incredibly strict rules set out by the gaming commission to take bets. Whereas, offshore sportsbooks are uncharted and often unreliable. With legal sportsbooks operating in Massachusetts, why take the risk of offshore betting?
Does Massachusetts tax gambling winnings?
Yes. Massachusetts has a flat 5% tax band for all residents, no matter how much they earn. When filing a tax return, your gambling winnings count as income and will be taxed accordingly.
What betting apps can I use in Massachusetts?
There are currently six sports betting apps in Massachusetts. You can join DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, WynnBET, or Barstool to make sports wagers. Plus, Bally Bet, Betway, Fanatics, and Betr are all planning to launch in 2023.