Both retail and online sports wagers are legal in Massachusetts.Retail sports betting in the state launched on January 31, 2023, and mobile and online sports betting followed on March 10, with six online books available at launch. A sports betting bill passed in the closing hours of the 2022 session, and Gov. Charlie Baker signed it on August 10, 2022.
Massachusetts to be among the top states in sports betting handle and revenue after its first full year of operation.
On May 23, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission decided not to allow sports betting companies to deduct promotional credits from their taxable income. That decision will likely majorly impact the handle, revenue, and taxes sports betting will generate in the state. Allowing sportsbooks to deduct promos would have raised the state’s total sports betting handle and revenue. Still, it would have lowered the taxable revenue the state could earn.
Now that we know how the state will handle promotional deductions, LSR has built a projection model of ranges for possible handle, revenue, and taxes for the first full year of Massachusetts sports betting.
First, choose an online sportsbook in Massachusetts, head to that book’s homepage or app, and create an account. Once you’re done with that, you can make a deposit and start betting. Throughout the process, watch for any bonus codes and promotions for new customers.
Knowing the terminology associated with sportsbook bonuses, promos, and other features is important. This language can differ from book to book, but it usually falls into one of a few categories.
Here is an overview of the types of promos you can expect at Massachusetts sports betting sites:
- First bet bonus: You must place a wager that meets the sportsbook’s conditions. If you win, you generally collect the profit from your win with no bonus. If you lose, however, the site will issue you site credits or a bonus bet equivalent to a percentage of your lost bet.
- Deposit bonus: The sportsbook matches a portion of your deposit as extra credits. Depending on the promotion, you might be getting a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Loyalty program: Most online sportsbooks let you participate in the company loyalty program. Programs like BetMGM’s MGM Rewards and Caesars’ Caesars Rewards give points and tier placement for every dollar you wager. These points and statuses can often lead to benefits like free or discounted meals, hotel stays, and exclusive event invitations. There is no cost to join, and enrollment is often automatic when you register.
- Odds boost: These bonuses are so common that they often do not appear as promotions but as another app feature. An odds boost pumps the potential payout on certain bets in favor of the bettor to generate interest in wagering.
State of Massachusetts Sports Betting Timeline
Dec. 29, 2023 — DraftKings is facing a review from MA sports betting regulators after allegedly allowing out-of-state credit card funding for more than $83,000 in bets.
Dec. 28, 2023 — MA sports betting regulators are calling for a roundtable discussion on the status and quality of the state’s responsible gambling measures.
Dec. 19, 2023 — MA sports betting handle rose to $654.4 million in November, the highest monthly total for the state since launching in March and a 15% increase from October.
Dec. 13, 2023 — DraftKings is facing a class-action lawsuit in MA for allegedly “unfair and deceptive” bonus bet advertising.
Dec. 8, 2023 — The MA Lottery reportedly believes it has been priced out of the state’s TV market by the success of the online sports betting operators.
Dec. 4, 2023 — State regulators voted to allow DraftKings to void contested wagers from an October NBA game. DraftKings had incorrectly posted first-quarter over-under totals as full-game totals.
Nov. 22, 2023 — While states like Michigan place bans on sweepstakes casinos, there is no indication that they will be banned in MA. No online casino legislation has been passed in Massachusetts, so the industry remains unregulated.
July 11, 2023 — MA sports betting regulators have voted unanimously to deny a request to add LIV Golf to the state’s approved sports betting menu. The MGC expressed concerns over the source of the funding for the tour.
July 10, 2023 — Barstool Sportsbook has shut down operations for a few days as it prepares to launch an improved app later this week. Users are not required to download the app again; all information and future bets will remain secure.
July 7, 2023 — The number of people who have voluntarily joined Massachusetts’ self-exclusion program has increased since 2020. According to Massachusetts Gaming Commission data, 1,430 residents are enrolled in the program, and 102 have opted out of sports betting.
July 3, 2023 — Among the legal bets available to Massachusetts sports bettors on July 4: hot dog eating. Bettors can wager on the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
July 3, 2023 — Massachusetts regulators vote to add a new rule mandating that “21 and over” language appear on all standalone sports betting logos at Fenway Park, TD Garden, and Gillette Stadium.
June 29, 2023 — With Bally Bet temporarily shutting down its online sportsbook across the US, bettors should not expect the app to launch in Massachusetts until later in 2023. Bally Bet was one of the first ten sportsbooks to receive a license in the state.
June 19, 2023 — Boston-based DraftKings has reportedly offered $195 million to buy PointsBet’s US assets. Shareholders of PointsBet are scheduled to vote on a separate and previous Fanatics offer on June 30.