Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

No. State politicians have looked at multiple bills so far and failed to pass any of them.

MA lawmakers became interested in sports wagering in 2018 when the Supreme Court struck down a federal betting ban called PASPA.

Gov. Charlie Baker authored the first state’s first sports gambling bill in 2019. Baker’s legislation sought to legalize retail and online sports betting.

Most states require betting sites to partner with a land-based casino. However, the governor didn’t force online sportsbooks to affiliate with retail bookmakers.

Baker’s legislation fizzled out before receiving a vote. He came back in 2020 and co-authored another bill that received backlash from in-state colleges.

The State House still favored the betting legislation. However, the State Senate wasn’t keen on the bill and removed it from a wider economic package.

When will MA Online Sports Gambling be Legal?

Massachusetts has shot down multiple efforts to regulate sports betting. It is, however, showing serious interest in the matter.

If the State House and Senate approve sports gambling, then they can expect the governor’s signature. After all, Baker has already authored/co-authored two bills of his own.

Enthusiasm for sports betting is high in the State House. If the Senate gets on board, then Massachusetts should enjoy an easy path towards sports wagering.

The Bay State holds extra motivation to get a deal done. After all, lawmakers don’t want to continue seeing residents visit New York or Rhode Island to place bets.

That said, MA online sports betting should become a reality soon. We envision Massachusetts legalizing retail and internet betting by 2021 or 2022.

What would Massachusetts Sports Betting Apps entail?

Gov. Baker and the legislature appear committed to mobile betting. Apps will assuredly be available if the state regulates sports gambling.

Referencing other markets, bookmakers would feature iOS and Android betting apps. They’d also require gamblers to be within state lines when wagering.

Downloading MA betting apps

You’d obtain a Massachusetts Android sports betting app as follows:

  1. Visit the online sportsbook with an Android device.
  2. Select the Android button on the homepage.
  3. Download the app off the homepage (Google Play doesn’t offer gambling apps).

You’d download an iOS betting app as follows:

  1. Visit the App Store with an iPhone or iPad.
  2. Search for the casino in question.
  3. Download the app from the store (Apple allows gambling apps).

In-person or Online Registration?

Some states, like Nevada, require you to complete mobile registration at a land-based casino. Most, however, let you register online.

The Bay State will face a choice if it regulates retail and internet betting. Hopefully, it will let gamblers sign up online instead of forcing them to visit brick-and-mortar casinos.

Geolocation

Massachusetts assuredly wouldn’t require you to be within state lines when registering. Instead, you could sign up from any state.

However, you’d need to be within the Bay State when placing bets. Mobile bookmakers would use geolocation software to ensure that you were in Massachusetts before letting you bet.

Online Bets in Massachusetts

A Massachusetts online betting market would provide several types of wagers. Likely wagers that’d be available include:

  • Moneyline: A straight-up bet on which team will win a game. Each team features different odds to encourage action on both sides.
  • Spread: The favorite needs to win by extra points, while the underdog must avoid losing by so many points.
  • Totals: This wager features a point total that represents the combined score by two teams. You must bet over or under the given total.
  • Parlay: Combines multiple outcomes into one wager. You must win every outcome for a successful bet.
  • Teaser: Features multiple outcomes and point spreads that slide in your favor. 6-point, 6.5-point, and 7-point teasers are available.
  • Round robin: A bet that creates every possible two-team parlay combination out of between three and eight teams.
  • Proposition bet: A wager that deals with something other than the final score.
  • Live betting: Wagers that become available after a game has already started.

What Betting Markets would Massachusetts Approve?

College sports are a big sticking point in Massachusetts’ legislative efforts. MA universities, including Boston College and Harvard, are strongly against sports gambling.

Therefore, we don’t envision the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) approving college sports betting—at least on in-state teams.

However, the MGC would allow wagering on numerous pro markets. Here are likely markets that you could bet on through regulated MA betting:

  • MLB
  • NBA
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • Australian rules
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Darts
  • Golf
  • Mixed martial arts
  • Olympics
  • Rugby
  • Sailing
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis

Boston Teams would be Popular Betting Draws

Boston features three pro franchises—the Bruins (NHL), Celtics (NBA), and Red Sox (MLB). Locals would bet lots of money on these Boston sports teams.

Foxborough hosts the New England Patriots. The 6-time Super Bowl champions would be another major betting draw.

Again, you likely wouldn’t be able to wager on in-state college teams. You’d enjoy the opportunity to bet on several local pro teams, though.

Oscars, eSports Betting likely off the Table

Massachusetts is somewhere in the middle with its progressiveness towards sports gambling. It’s interested in passing betting legislation but hasn’t done so yet.

That said, we don’t see the Bay State approving any controversial types of wagering. Esports and Oscars betting probably won’t be available.

Esports feature some professional players who are under 18 years of age. Most states aren’t comfortable letting people bet on any sport/contest involving minors.

Oscars betting is controversial because it revolves around known outcomes. The audience isn’t supposed to know the outcomes, but insiders could profit if they were crooked enough.

Depositing at MA Betting Sites

Like other states, Massachusetts would provide several ways to deposit at mobile sportsbooks. Probable banking options include:

  • 7-Eleven (PayNearMe): You visit a local 7-Eleven and deposit with cash.
  • ACH (e-check): Use your bank routing and account number to send funds to a bookmaker.
  • Casino cage: Visit an MA land-based casino and deposit in person.
  • Credit/debit card: Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and/or American Express would be available.
  • E-wallet: Neteller, PayPal, and/or Skrill are available in many betting markets.
  • Play+ card: Use a branded prepaid card that lets you deposit at betting sites.

As for cashouts, you could use everything above except for credit cards and 7-Eleven. Additionally, you’d be able to request a paper check.

MA bookmakers would surely ask for additional identification during the cashout process. This request typically involves providing 1-2 photo IDs.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Bonuses

Bonuses are common in many betting markets. That said, Massachusetts online sportsbooks would also be sure to offer bonuses.

Likely deals include:

  • No-deposit bonus: You collect a bonus just for completing registration.
  • Match-deposit bonus: A betting site matches your deposit up to a given amount (e.g., $500).
  • Free-free bet: If you lose this wager, you can earn back the losses.
  • Loyalty rewards: An internet sportsbook offers you rewards based on your wagering volume.

MA online bookmakers would definitely require you to satisfy terms and conditions before withdrawing bonus funds. Common T&Cs in other markets include:

  • Claim bonus: You need to visit your account and claim a bonus.
  • Rollover: This is a multiple of the bonus (e.g., 5x) that you must wager.
  • Rollover time limit: Betting sites limit how much time you have to meet rollover.
  • Maximum bet: You can’t bet over a specified amount (e.g., $100) when chasing bonuses.
  • Minimum odds: Bookmakers require you to bet at or above specific odds (e.g., -160 or higher).
  • Minimum deposit: You need to meet the minimum deposit amount before cashing out.
  • Bonus code: You must enter a bonus code to qualify for some offers.

FAQ on MA Online Casino

Why hasn’t Massachusetts legalized sports betting?

Bay State lawmakers can’t agree on taxes, markets, and other details regarding an MA betting bill. However, they’ll likely iron everything out in 2021 or 2022.

How old must I be to bet on sports in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires casino gamblers to be 21 years of age. It’d likely impose the same minimum age for retail and online sports betting.

Are DraftKings and FanDuel legal in Massachusetts?

DraftKings and FanDuel are legal in the Bay State with regard to daily fantasy sports. However, they can’t roll out online or retail sportsbooks until Massachusetts legalizes these forms of gambling.

Would MA betting sites be safe?

Yes. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission would oversee the online sports gambling market. The MGC would issue licenses to qualified operators and put protections in place for problem gamblers.

Does Massachusetts tax gambling winnings?

The Bay State imposes a 5% tax on gambling winnings. Of course, you’d also need to cover the federal tax (24%).

Would I need to live in Massachusetts to bet on sports?

No. Massachusetts would merely require that you’re within state lines before placing bets. Betting sites would use geolocation software to determine your location.