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Massachusetts sports betting: Legal online sportsbooks and how to bet

Senior Editor
Massachusetts sports betting: Legal online sportsbooks and how to bet image

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Massachusetts legalized sports betting in August 2022, when former Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill No. 5164 into law.

By January 2023, retail betting launched at three Bay State casinos. In March 2023, online and mobile sports betting launched in the state.

If you're a Massachusetts native considering sports betting — or if you're just visiting the Bay State and want to place some bets during your stay — here's everything you need to know about how to get started, which sites and apps to use and more.

MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL

Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Yes! Massachusetts legalized sports betting in 2022. Retail and online sports betting sites have been officially live and registered within the state since 2023.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates sports betting in the state.

To place sports bets in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you will need to be:

  • at least 21 years old
  • physically in the state of Massachusetts (verify with GeoComply)
  • able to verify your sportsbook account

Please note that college player props cannot be wagered on in the state of Massachusetts.

MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA

Online sportsbooks available in Massachusetts

Here are the online sportsbook options in the state of Massachusetts.

How to sign up and place a bet in Massachusetts

The process to start your sports betting journey in the Bay State is quite simple. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered Massachusetts sportsbook

Choose one of the many sportsbooks listed above. 

Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit

Follow the steps to sign up for your sportsbook of choice. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state.

You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in the state of Massachusetts. 

Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal. 

Step 3: Place your bets!

Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!

To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!

MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?

What you can bet on in Massachusetts

While sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for sports bettors in the Bay State.

  • Licensed online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal
  • NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
  • College sports lines, totals and futures
  • Olympics (with some restrictions)
  • Esports
  • Horse racing
  • Competitive entertainment events (like the Oscars)

What you can't bet on in Massachusetts

There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in Massachusetts. With college sports, for example, it is legal to wager on lines, totals and futures, but you cannot wager on college player props. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind. 

  • Unlicensed iGaming or online casino gambling
  • Prop bets on college athletes
  • In-state college teams during the regular season (permitted if in a tournament of four or more teams)
  • High school sports
  • Events where the outcome is determined primarily by a judge or panel of judges (this does exclude certain Olympics events)
  • Political events
  • Greyhound dog racing
  • Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
  • Must physically be in Massachusetts to place wagers

MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books

Massachusetts sports betting promos and bonus offers

Popular teams to bet on in Massachusetts

  • New England Patriots (NFL)
  • Boston Celtics (NBA)
  • Boston Red Sox (MLB)
  • Boston Bruins (NHL)
  • New England Revolution (MLS)
  • Boston College Eagles (NCAA)
  • Boston University Terriers (NCAA)
  • UMass Minutemen (NCAA)
  • Northeastern Huskies (NCAA)
  • Harvard Crimson (NCAA)
  • Holy Cross Crusaders (NCAA)

Responsible gambling resources in Massachusetts

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.

  • Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-327-5050 or text GAMB to 800-327
  • National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 or text 800GAM
  • Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (MACGH)
  • Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC)
  • Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) program

MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting

Senior Editor

Senior Editor