Massachusetts Gaming Commission Approves Sports Betting Menu

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has formally approved an exhaustive list of sporting events on which customers can wager – but a handful of notable competitions have been left off the list. Here's a look at which sports are available once Massachusetts sports betting launches – and which ones didn't make the cut.

Bettors who like to wager on major professional sporting events can officially rejoice.

The MGC ruled Tuesday on which sports will be available on sports betting sites once legal wagering is introduced at the end of the month. And while it might come as no surprise to see every major professional sports league included, it's still a relief to see them on the list.

What can best be described as a robust list of wagering options has formally been approved by the commission and will be ready to be sprung into action Jan. 31, when the first retail bets will be taken in Massachusetts by some of the best sportsbooks in the country.

What can I bet on in Massachusetts?

There had been whispers of the MGC leaving some of the mainstream sports off the list of wagering options. By the end of Tuesday, the MGC had approved almost all mainstream sports – professional and college, international and domestic.

All in all, nearly four pages of sporting events appeared on the "approved" list including the NFL, NHL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, MLS and most collegiate sporting events. Other sports like Aussie Rules Football, International professional basketball, baseball, football and hockey leagues, combat sports, bowling, cricket, auto racing, and golf also appeared on the extensive list.

What can I not bet on in Massachusetts?

The most notable omission from the MGC's list is the Summer and Winter Olympics, which will not be made available to Massachusetts sports bettors at retail sportsbooks for the moment (though it's not a big deal now, with the next Olympics more than a year away.)

Esports was also left out, along with chess, jai alai and conrhole.

In each case, the MGC reserved the right to re-assess its decision ahead of the state's launch of online sports wagering, expected to take place in early or mid-March.

Bet types also approved

The MGC also approved a comprehensive list of bet types, similar to the ones we have seen in most of the 35+ legal sports betting states operating in the U.S. As with the Massachusetts sports menu, there had been some concern that the Commission would limit the wagering markets for bettors and sports betting sites in the Bay State.

The Commission unanimously approved the following betting markets:

• Single-game bets
• Totals
• Moneylines
• Parlays
• Teasers
• Exchange wagering
• In-game and in-play betting
• Props

More good news: Massachusetts customers will be able to bet on awards shows, including the Oscars, as well as a huge variety of prop bets (an especially relevant decision given the sheer number of Super Bowl props available).

Meanwhile, sports bettors can look forward to Massachusetts sports betting promos that are on par with or even exceed the industry standard in what should be one of the most competitive sportsbook landscapes in the country.