Can you gamble online in MA?
Online casino | not legal |
Sports betting | Not legal |
Horse racing online betting | Legal |
Poker | Not legal |
Hopes were high that there would be moves to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts earlier this year, but the most recent legislative session ended with no sports betting law passed.
There remains the prospect that change will occur sometime in 2022, with residents of the state clearly able to place sports bets, but to do this they’re forced to cross the border to neighboring states. Gambling giant DraftKings revealed that more than a quarter of its Super Bowl bettors in New Hampshire were from Massachusetts zip codes, meaning the gambling tax from state residents was collected for the benefit of New Hampshire.
For now, in-person gambling is limited to the two state casinos in Springfield and Everett and the racino – effectively a race track with slots – at Plainville, and the state lottery. Online gambling is available for horse racing through sites like TVG, and for Daily Fantasy Sports, DFS, events.
Betting in Massachusetts
Sports betting remains illegal in Massachusetts, with bettors only able to place wagers by crossing the borders into neighboring states.
Massachusetts Casinos
There has been little interest in legalizing online casinos, with several venues in the state offering in-person casino options including slots, roulette and a number of table games.
Massachusetts Poker
Online poker is illegal but in-person play is available at the casinos in Springfield and Everett with both having dedicated poker rooms.
MA Horse Racing Betting
The state has a race track at Plainridge Park which operates as a racino, with a range of slots along with live harness racing with on-site betting. There is simulcast racing available and also at two former tracks in the state. Massachusetts residents can also bet online through advance-deposit wagering operators like BetAmerica and TVG.
Lottery in Massachusetts
The state lottery was established in 1971, with tickets sales available in-person from retailers up and down the state. There are no online sales available and the minimum age to play is 18.
Massachusetts DFS
The state can lay claim to the title of the home of DFS, with pioneer DraftKings effectively established in Boston, and one of their main office sites is in the state. Legal play in Massachusetts through a range of operators, including DraftKings, goes back to 2016.
FAQs:
Is gambling legal in MA?
While sports betting has not been made legal in Massachusetts, it is clear that it has not stopped residents wagering in neighboring states. New Hampshire is a major beneficiary, with 28 percent of DraftKings Super Bowl betting from Massachusetts zip codes.
Where in MA can I get help with problem gambling?
Gambling is enjoyable for many but for some it can lead down a destructive road affecting their personal lives. If you have a problem, or if a friend of relative is struggling, help is available. Massachusetts – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).