Massachusetts Sports Betting: Best 6 MA Online Sportsbook Sites

Massachusetts sports betting quick facts

With the launch of MA sports betting drawing closer, we've identified critical Massachusetts sports gambling facts, including expected launch dates, betting options, and projected revenue numbers.

Massachusetts betting promos and bonuses

New and seasoned sports bettors will be thrilled to learn that operators will be eager to offer the best sportsbooks promos and bonuses. For new players, bonus first bets can be a great way to learn without fear of losing money. For experienced bettors, welcome bonuses allow them to be more aggressive and maximize their return on deposit if they target betting markets with big odds.

Massachusetts sportsbook promos and bonuses go beyond the initial sign-up. Prospective customers should identify operators offering ongoing promotions like boosted odds, loyalty rewards, refer and earn credits, and exclusive offers not found at betting sites.

Top Massachusetts betting sites reviews

With the full legalization of sportsbooks in Massachusetts, they'll be plenty of competition for your money once wagering begins in full. Below are all six betting sites going live on March 10, 2023.

Why Caesars is the best sportsbook in Massachusetts

One of the first four online sports betting operators to earn a Massachusetts gaming license, Caesars is a trusted brand that first made its mark in the Las Vegas desert. By taking its talents to mobile online sportsbooks and sports betting apps, it can showcase its slate of promos, bonuses, live betting, and VIP rewards that only Caesars Sportsbook can provide. The app also features the ability to live-stream sporting events, including the NFL. Check out our Caesars review for more.

• App store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
• Payout speed: 1-5 business days

Other Massachusetts online sportsbooks and sports betting apps

FanDuel Massachusetts

Like rival DraftKings, FanDuel has its license approved. Aside from superior app ratings from iOS and Android users, FanDuel offers best-in-class welcome bonuses, promotions, and unique treats within their app. Recently, the operator partnered with Venmo to add to its arsenal of banking methods. This is also noteworthy for Massachusetts bettors since they can’t deposit with a credit card.

• App store ratings: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Payout speed: 1-5 business days

Where to bet on sports in Massachusetts: FanDuel review

DraftKings Massachusetts

While Boston-based DraftKings Sportsbook announced they will go live in the state on March 10, 2023.

DraftKings offers players an elite user experience with its easy-to-use betting app, seamless site navigation, and ongoing promotions. Customers can soon access odds boosts, second-chance bets, same-game parlays, rewards, and more.

Although credit cards remain an invalid or prohibited form of deposit, we expect DraftKings to offer its customers a full line of banking methods for both sides of the transaction.

Where to bet on sports in Massachusetts: DraftKings review

21+ and present in MA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

BetMGM Massachusetts

BetMGM is another one of the operators to earn licensure from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Granted, they, too, are in wait-and-see mode as to when BetMGM’s online sportsbook and sports betting app can launch. However, when it does, players can sign-up with the self-proclaimed "King of Parlays" which also offers live video streaming of select sporting events, solid promotions, and loyalty rewards.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Payout speed: 2-8 business days

Where to bet on sports in Massachusetts: BetMGM review

Barstool Massachusetts

With one of the most lucrative projected welcome bonuses available to new players, Barstool Sportsbook has already received its Massachusetts license. 

• App store ratings: 4.7 (iOS), 3.3 (Android)
• Payout speed: 1-15 business days

Where to bet on sports in Massachusetts: Barstool Sportsbook review

Massachusetts sportsbooks honorable mentions

Though they didn’t make our top five rated Massachusetts online sportsbooks and sports betting apps, the following operators all earned honorable mentions due to their significant welcome bonuses. Whether you are or aren’t interested in any of the top five sportsbooks above, be sure to at least glance at our sportsbook reviews of the following operators. Who knows, what you learn may surprise you and might lead you to sign up

How we rate and review Massachusetts sportsbooks

SBR’s team of experts from around the country works independently to evaluate and review the best Massachusetts online sportsbooks and MA sports betting apps. Are you new to online sports betting? Figuring out which features are most important can be confusing and intimidating. We here at SBR help take the guesswork out of the process and explain how we rate and review each operator. We assess the most critical characteristics before adding or removing them from our best-of sportsbook rankings.

Welcome bonuses and promotions

With 15 operators battling for Massachusetts sports betting market share, industry stalwarts like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars will dole out hundreds if not thousands of dollars to new players in the form of welcome bonuses. Based on our experience in other legal states, Massachusetts bettors stand to benefit from low minimum deposits that unlock dollar-for-dollar match bonuses, bet credits, and first-bet insurance worth up to $1,000, along with other forms of added value.

User experience

SBR’s editorial guidelines weigh user experience as one of the essential pillars of a successful and high-quality online sports betting product. User experience can hold a variety of definitions. Think about ease of signing up, banking ability on the site or app, how fluid is navigating the app from one page to the next, can you live stream sporting events, does it crash or have trouble geolocating your position to allow you to bet and how accessible is customer service? All of those factors go into grading out one’s user experience.

Sports bet variety

New sports bettors typically engage with basic odds markets where they can wager on the moneyline or point total. As they gain more experience and join veteran sports bettors on the sports betting platform, various betting markets make for a more pleasing and potentially profitable experience. So, the best online sportsbooks offer global sports as well as domestic. The NFL and college football are the most popular sports to wager on in a calendar year. Still, bettors engage with soccer odds, tennis tournament grand slams, and PGA major championships.

Banking options

Massachusetts law prohibits sports betting customers from funding their accounts or making deposits with credit cards. Operators will leverage services like PayPal, various e-wallets, and ACH bank wire transfers. Some operators have started to accept Venmo as a preferred banking option too. These options will help to alleviate some of the headaches associated with the state barring the most common banking method.

Payout speed

Once you hit a big Boston parlay, you may want to cash out, and waiting is the hardest part. SBR betting experts rate sites based on their payout speed from bet settlement to triggering the withdrawal. Some betting sites may take up to five business days, while the elite operators can deliver the funds to your account within two business days. If you deposit or withdraw by physical check, wait times can run up to three business weeks.

Security and customer support

Our editorial guidelines also stress the importance of site and app security. Operators must use the latest SSL encryption software to protect personal and financial information from bad actors.

When questions arise, online sportsbooks should have a solid stable of customer support team representatives available via phone, email, or, in our preference, live chat. Live chat customer support features the shortest wait times and answers your queries in short order.

List of Massachusetts resources

Massachusetts Gaming Commission – Gambling regulator. 

Massachusetts Legislator – Lawmaking body In Massachusetts    

Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health – Top resource for responsible gambling in the state.    

The Boston Globe – Leading newspaper in New England, covering pro sports, the Legislator, and more.    

Boston Herald – Daily newspaper in Boston covering local sports and the state Legislator.    

The Republican – Local and Statewide news including sports and entertainment.    

How to bet on sports in Massachusetts

Online sports betting in Massachusetts is a go and will take place Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. ET.

Select a sportsbook licensed in Massachusetts

First, you’ll need to select an online sportsbook or sports betting app. SBR’s team of experts has poured hours and hours into researching, evaluating, and grading more than a dozen operators. For a thorough overview, you’ll want to consult our best Massachusetts online sportsbook reviews before deciding. Prospective customers should focus on welcome bonuses, user experience, banking options, customer support services, and security measures.

Register online

Signing up for a new online sportsbook account has evolved to the point where it should take just a few minutes to get up and running.

First, the operator will ask you to provide basic personal information like your full name, home address, email address, date of birth, and social security number. The SS number helps with identification verification to prevent fraudulent accounts from being created and helps speed up payouts later. The operator will likely send an email to verify your address and register your account.

Once that step is complete, you’ll create a username and password. Sometimes the username is your email address, which is easy to remember. The password should be eight characters at a minimum and a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters.

Deposit and claim a bonus

After logging in to your new online sportsbook account, you’ll head to the cashier and make a first deposit. Here you will sync your preferred banking method to your account. Remember, Massachusetts does not allow for credit card deposits but does accept services like Paypal and bank wire transfers.

Before submitting your first deposit, check for any required promo code fields. You don’t want to miss out on bonus bets because you forgot the promo code when making your initial deposit.

Select and finalize your bet

Now that you’ve registered a new account created a unique password, and made a first deposit to fund your wallet, you are all set to make your first bet. Remember, you can wager on every professional team in Massachusetts. So, if you think the Patriots will turn things around next year and win the Super Bowl, you can place a bet. Believe the Bruins to cover the puckline this weekend? Wager on it. Will Jayson Tatum win the Most Valuable Player award? These and other odds will be available at Massachusetts online sportsbooks.

Finalizing a wager takes a few clicks with the best sports betting apps. The improved, seamless user experience, where a bet can be placed in a matter of seconds, makes modern-day sports betting convenient and potentially more entertaining. 

Win and withdraw your payout

The process is quite simple if one of your big bets wins and you’re ready to cash out. Visit the same cashier link you used to deposit and click withdrawal to get things in motion. Here, you’ll type in the amount of money you want to withdraw and which banking method you want to use to secure the funds. Available options include e-wallets and bank wire transfers or even, in some cases, a physical check mailed to your address. However, the latter option can take up to 15 business days.

Massachusetts sports betting handle

Depending on the source material, Massachusetts sports betting handle — total amounts wagered — and related tax revenues vary. However, we project that The Bay State could recognize a $550 million (approximately) handle in year one. Those figures are speculative, and contingent upon all 15 of the expected online sportsbooks meeting the required approvals and launching in early 2023.

Massachusetts stands to gain millions of dollars of revenue from taxes and initial licensing fees, renewable every five years. One projection believes the state could raise up to $70 million yearly in taxes alone.

On February 15, 2023, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) announced a handle of $510,948 since the start of sports betting in the state (3 retail sportsbooks).

The taxes will be distributed into five funds for which the leaders of those groups will determine their purposes:

• General Fund (45%)
• Gaming Local Aid Fund (27.5%)
• Workforce Investment Fund (17.5%)
• Public Health Trust Fund (9%)
• Youth Development and Achievement Fund (1%)

Massachusetts sports leagues and teams to bet on

Massachusetts is home to some iconic goliaths of professional sports. The well-documented dynasties of the Patriots and Celtics come to mind, as well as the hot championship stretches of the Red Sox and Bruins. However, we urge every new sports bettor not to wager with emotion and connection to their hometown teams. Do your homework before placing a bet on your favorite squad because weather, injuries, depth chart changes, and other factors can occur in the hours leading up to an event. Make a well-informed wager, and do not bet with your heart at any time.

The New England Revolution of the MLS doesn’t garner the same headlines, but MA bettors will be able to access odds for its matchups at several online sportsbooks and sports betting apps.

Responsible sports betting in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is the state’s governing body that oversees legal sports betting and casino gaming, and horse racing wagers. They have approved six licenses for launch on March 10.

The MGC’s mission is to create a fair and transparent process for all parties to understand the expanded sports betting laws in the state. They will be in charge of issuing licenses and policing, investigating, and regulating Massachusetts sports betting operations. 

The MGC also implements Responsible Gaming frameworks, offering gambling addiction counseling, treatment, and resources to interested parties. They also provide a voluntary self-exclusion program, limiting or banning individuals from gaming participation for a set period. This program can be accessed by phone, live chat, or at three retail casinos.

Legal sports betting and regulations in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted to award operations certificates to six online sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBET, Barstool, BetMGM and Caesars. Those six went live on March 10, 2023.

Four other operators have received licenses, but have yet to enter the new MA market: Betr, Bally Bet, BetFanatics and Betway.

Land-based Massachusetts sportsbooks

Three of the five retail sportsbooks licensed by the state are allowed to partner with two online sportsbook properties. In contrast, the pari-mutuel locations of Raynham and Suffolk are permitted to partner with one online operator each. Here's a quick summary of in-person betting options that carry a retail sports betting license.

Who can bet on sports in Massachusetts

Here’s what Massachusetts residents and those visiting the state need to know about sports betting ahead of the Jan. 31, 2023, launch date.

Legal age

Massachusetts retail sportsbooks, online sportsbooks, and sports betting apps will require its players to be at least 21 years of age to place a wager.

Mobile betting

The state is expected to have online sports betting on March 10, 2023.

Remote registration

Once online sports betting goes live in Massachusetts, bettors can register remotely at online sportsbooks and via sports betting apps. This process requires players to provide personal information to verify identities, locations, and email accounts. Geotagging software will confirm players are inside state lines at the time of registration.

Within state borders

When online sportsbooks and Massachusetts sports betting apps go live in March, MA residency is not a formal requirement of the commonwealth to place a wager. Sports betting operators will confirm your location via the sports app’s geotagging software baked into the product. Customers outside of state lines will lose the ability to place wagers.

Retail sportsbooks

Massachusetts will offer residents and tourists five in person sports betting options to choose from, which will be the first to open ahead of online sportsbooks. MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge Park Casino, and two other pari-mutuel horse tracks will start accepting bets on Jan. 31, 2023.

Taxable winnings

The state and Uncle Sam will want a slice of your winnings should you profit. Gambling earnings will be taxed at 24%, while the state of Massachusetts will take a cut of 5%. Don’t spend all your winnings in one place until you pay the piper.

What you can't bet on in Massachusetts

As discussed earlier, you can wager on professional sports in and outside Massachusetts. However, we have learned the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is currently one of the more constricting state regulators when deciding what can and can’t be wagered on within the state. Here's a primer:

Politics

It is not legal to wager on political events in Massachusetts. For instance, you can’t wager on the upcoming 2024 United States Presidential Election. This policy is consistent across all legalized U.S. states.

Entertainment award ceremonies

Currently, Massachusetts does not allow betting on entertainment award ceremonies like the Grammys or Academy Awards. This policy could change in the future depending on how the MGC legislates things throughout 2023. Still, your insight and handicapping of “Best Record of the Year” will have to be just for fun.

eSports

Betting on esports at Massachusetts online sportsbooks remains a murky subject. The MGC has not made a formal ruling and could change its stance, as several other states have legalized esports betting. Delaware North Chairman and Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs is a stakeholder in the esports organization Splyce.

What about Massachusetts college sports?

Wagering on college sports in the state is permitted, but betting on in-state teams is prohibited unless in a tournament setting like college basketball’s March Madness. This restriction was a sticking point between the Massachusetts House and Senate when they tried to pass a bill in 2021 and 2022. In the end, a compromise was struck, but not the one sports bettors preferred.

To recap, betting on college teams is legal. However, betting on in-state teams, like Harvard and Boston College, will be limited to tournament formats, like the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament, come March.

Sportsbooks to avoid in Massachusetts

The opening of MA retail sports betting locations on Jan. 31, 2023, followed by online betting at a time yet to be determined, provides enough reasons for players to take the risk of setting up an account at offshore sportsbooks. The risks tied to registering accounts with offshore entities are significant, as players are often left with no recourse should any dispute arise.

Here are a few examples of illegal sites to avoid and the reasons SBR’s betting editors team has deemed them off-limits: