Online Gambling Massachusetts
Posted : admin On 3/27/2022Massachusetts Legal Online Gambling News And Analysis Massachusetts remains a strong candidate to states to join the list of states that offer regulated online gambling. The path to legal online poker and casinos in Massachusetts, however, remains a long and challenging one. GLOBAL POKER ACCEPTS US. Massachusetts Online Casinos Sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts. Social casino site options. Bay Staters can make use of all social casino sites available in most states. Background on expanded gambling in Massachusetts. In 2011, Massachusetts passed the Expanded Gaming Act. Eagles Expected to Start QB Jalen Hurts in 2021. 5 Observations for NBA Gamblers. Lakers Expected to Be Frontrunners to Sign Andre Drummond. 9 Advantages of Bitcoin Sports Betting. A Complete Guide To Esports Betting.
Massachusetts has a long history of rebellion and individualism.
The home of the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere has historically yielded passionate, hardworking, freethinking individuals.
It’s a bit surprising Massachusetts has taken so long to come to the party on casino gambling.
However, it is happening – right now.
Read on for more information about current legal gambling options in the state, how the stage is set for expansion of casino gambling in Massachusetts, and for details on how online lottery and online gambling could also be making their way to the Bay State.
Sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts
Social casino site options
Bay Staters can make use of all social casino sites available in most states. Slotomania, DoubleDown, BigFish, and Zynga are all available via Facebook or mobile device apps. They may also play on the Plainridge Casino site, which maintains a Play4fun network site due to the fact that the casino is owned by Penn National Gaming (which owns the Hollywood Casino chains). The advantage of playing on this site is that it allows Massachusetts residents to get a free preview of the offerings at Plainridge.
Background on expanded gambling in Massachusetts
In 2011, Massachusetts passed the Expanded Gaming Act. The law allowed for three Las Vegas-style casinos and one slots parlor to be constructed in the state. Specifically, the law divided Massachusetts into three regions. It allowed for one casino per region. Four years later, the Plainridge Park Casino (the slots parlor) opened to great fanfare in Plainville, Massachusetts. As evidence of approval for gambling in the state, the casino reached its allowed building capacity within a few hours, and cashiers were temporarily running out of money.
MGM Springfield opened on August 24, 2018, to fanfare and festivities. The nearly $1 billion property is located in the south end of Springfield and could be an economic shot in the arm for the city and region. (This is Region B under the law and covers the western third of the state.)
Encore Boston Harbor, opened June 2019. Originally named Wynn Everett and then Wynn Boston Harbor, it is a $2.5 billion property located in the Boston suburb of Everett. Under the law, this casino will serve RegionA, which is the middle third of the state. (It includes Boston, the state’s capital and largest city).
What remains is RegionC, the eastern third of the state, which includes Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. This is an important area because of the overall wealth. The lag on its development is largely due to ongoing court battles with the two federally recognized (and therefore eligible) Native American tribes in Massachusetts.
The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe wants to build a $1 billion facility in Taunton. Resistance from residents is delaying the construction. At this point, it is still up in the air whether the tribe can proceed. The other tribe, the Aquinnah Wampanoag, resides on Martha’s Vineyard. They may have a better shot at approval from the court system, but nothing has been decided so far.
For now, Massachusetts can look forward to the three current mega-resorts underway in the state. In general, things have not been so dire in Massachusetts because of the state’s relatively small land area and its proximity to casinos in other states.
Residents and visitors to the state have two options in Rhode Island for slot play. There is the Twin River Casino in Lincoln and Newport Grand Casino in Newport. Beyond that, Bay Staters can also visit Connecticut’sMohegan Sun in Uncasville or Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket. All four of these casinos are fewer than two hours’ drive from most of Massachusetts.
Below is information on Massachusetts casinos and the other excellent nearby options.
Land-based slots options
Property | Location | Number of Slots |
---|---|---|
Plainridge Park Casino | Plainview, MA | 1,250 |
MGM Springfield | Springfield, MA | 2,550 |
Encore Boston Harbor | Everett, MA | 2,800+ |
Mohegan Sun Casino | Uncasville, CT | 5,000 |
Foxwoods Casino | Mashantucket, CT | 4,800 |
Massachusetts Sports Betting
As of now, sports betting has yet to materialize in the Commonwealth. However, a new bill, which would authorize sports betting for various outlets, recently passed through the House and sent on to the Senate.
Massachusetts sports betting would be authorized for:
- Three commercial casinos
- A single slot parlor
- Horse racing tracks
- 5 online-only operators
In the Senate, though, the proposal stalled. But that does not mean hope is lost.
Massachusetts could still find a way to legalize wagering, as the legislature holds an informal session throughout the calendar year, during which time lawmakers will certainly discuss the industry’s legalization.
Online gambling options
Massachusetts does not have laws directly addressing online gaming one way or the other. As in many states, the legal framework simply hasn’t caught up to reality yet.
However, Massachusetts has shown itself to be relatively agreeable to the notion of online gambling, as it was one of the few states to legalize daily fantasy sports betting. It’s possible that expansion to other forms of online gambling and sports betting will occur in the near future.
State legal environment
Permitted/Offered? | Notes & Restrictions | |
---|---|---|
Land-based Gambling | Yes | One slots parlor; two more casinos under construction |
Online Gambling | No | No law for or against |
Lottery | Yes | State and multistate drawings available |
Charitable or House-based Gambling | Yes | Raffles and bingo |
Minimum Gambling Age | 18 for horse/dog racing, lottery, bingo, and pari-mutuel; 21 for casinos |
Massachusetts, home to famous sports teams like the Boston Red Sox and New
England Patriots, has one of the largest sporting fan bases in the world. As
you’d probably expect, a huge number of these fans love to place sports wagers
on a regular basis. Today, our team of experts is here to explain how to find
the best Massachusetts sports betting sites currently
operating.
There are a number of amazing sports betting websites available here. To make
things easier for new players, we’re going to break down the most important
features to look for in an online sportsbook. Later on, we’ll be going over the
current laws and regulations surrounding internet sports betting in this state.
Below are our top five recommended sites for online betting in Massachusetts available right now. Check them out today!
Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
#1 | 100% Up To $2,500 | Visit Site | ||
#2 | MyBookie | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | |
#3 | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | ||
#4 | Bovada Sports | 50% Up To $250 | Visit Site | |
#5 | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site |
How Can I Find Good Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites?
The US online gambling industry has improved dramatically over the years.
There was a time when there was only a few sports betting sites in MA available,
most of which only offered odds on a couple of sports. Today, there are a huge
number of incredible online sportsbooks across the country that offer thousands
of different betting odds every single day.
Finding legit sports betting sites in Massachusetts is
easier now than ever before. Our team has come up with the most important things
to look for before joining a sportsbook. The four features below are a must-have
for any Massachusetts betting website.
Safe and Transparent Payment System
Safety should always be priority number one when betting online in MA or anywhere. The first
thing you will want to look for in Massachusetts betting websites is a
secure payment system. Fortunately, this is an extremely easy thing to look
into.
The best way is to head over to our list of
online gambling site reviews. Our
team has looked through hundreds of betting websites over the years. In each
review, we dive deep into the cashier system of each site. If we find any
reports of withheld payments or unnecessary fees, we’ll let you know about it.
Another great way to look into the payment options at different Massachusetts
sports betting sites is to actually check out the websites for yourself. Every
reputable sports betting website will allow you to scroll through them before
you even sign up. Take some time to look at exactly which payment options are
available and choose one that works for you.
Safe sports betting sites will allow their members to make deposits using
both debit and credit cards. The majority of US betting sites
only allow withdrawals to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this turn you off!
Bitcoin is the best payout option available today, as it comes with very low
fees and is processed within just a few days. Some sites, including
Bovada Sportsbook,
provide entire pages that explain how Bitcoin withdrawals are made.
There’s nothing more important than a safe payment system. We highly
recommend that you take the time to find an online sportsbook offering quick,
safe payouts every single day.
Helpful Customer Support Options
The second feature that all Massachusetts sports betting sites should offer
is a solid customer support system. Unfortunately, this is one of the most
overlooked aspects of betting sites. Massachusetts has not yet taken the steps
to regulate its online betting industry. That means you will need to rely on the
site you play at to help you out should an issue arise.
The best sportsbooks will provide their members with a live chat feature.
This allows you to speak directly with a website representative over live chat.
It’s the easiest and quickest way to have your questions answered instantly.
A number of websites also provide a direct phone line support option. This is
another fantastic way to find help in real-time. Some of the sites we don’t
recommend will only provide email support. This can take weeks to actually
answer any questions.
Generally speaking, the better a website’s customer service options, the
better the entire website is. There is a very good chance that the first website
you decide to join offers a seamless betting experience, and you will never even
have to use these support features. If you do need help during your betting
experience, it’s important to know that you play through a company that will
have your back.
This is another easy thing to look into. Most sports betting sites in
Massachusetts will have entire pages offering support to members. Join
one of the sites that you know will help you out when you need it.
Modern Design and User Interface
Every sports betting website has a different design. Some sites are known for
their modern styles with thousands of different betting options available every
single day. Others are more simplistic and focus more on providing their members
with an easy user interface.
The most important thing is finding a site that offers a design you enjoy.
You can head back up to the sports betting sites in Massachusetts that we
recommend to see some of the best sportsbook designs available today. Take a
look at a few of them and see how different each one really is.
Make sure that the sports betting sites in Massachusetts you’re interested in
joining do not crash. It’s also a good idea to look into the betting process of
these websites. The majority of
US sports betting
sites let you navigate their website before you sign up.
Don’t overlook how important the design of these websites is. The style and
user interface of the sportsbook you play at will affect your entire gambling
experience. Choose ones that are sleek, modern, and make it easy to place bets!
Betting Odds on the Sports You Want to Wager On
You might be surprised to find how many new bettors sign up to a website
before even looking at which odds are available. Don’t let this happen to you!
The most legit Massachusetts sports betting sites operating today will
provide thousands of different betting options every single day. These betting
companies should make it very easy to find the exact sports you want to bet on.
The majority of sportsbooks feature a full list of their available odds directly
on their homepages.
Do you love the NFL? Find a website offering betting odds on every single
game of the regular season and postseason. Are you an MLB fan? Look for an
online sportsbook that provides lines for every team.
If you don’t plan to bet on any one particular sport, we recommend finding a
site that offers a wide variety of different odds. Some Massachusetts
sports betting sites today will even allow for random novelty betting
on things like politics and entertainment. Much like design, every sportsbook
will offer different betting options, find one that provides lines on the sports
you want to bet on when betting online in Massachusetts.
Why Are Sports Betting Sites in Massachusetts Growing so Popular Right Now?
Sports betting has always been a popular industry in the United States. For a
number of reasons, this industry has been limited to just one state over the
past several decades. That’s finally beginning to change, and a number of states
have outright legalized this popular form of gambling.
We’ll get more into the specific legality of online sports betting sites in
Massachusetts later. For now, all you need to know is that this market is
currently unregulated. Fortunately, there are still some fantastic betting
websites available to players here.
We have asked a number of sports bettors in this state why they choose to
make wagers over the internet. There are two major reasons that we continue to
hear again and again.
Safest and Easiest Option Available Right Now
Massachusetts has not yet regulated its internet sports betting market. That
means the only real options to make wagers here are online, or through an
illegal bookie on the ground. Almost everyone agrees that the online option is
significantly safer and easier.
Some of the top online sportsbooks in the world currently
operate inside this state. Most of these Massachusetts betting sites take
drastic steps to protect their members’ money and information. If you’re a
sports fan looking to make some wagers, there’s no doubt that internet
sportsbooks are the best option available right now.
Huge Range of Different Betting Options
Even if Massachusetts did allow land-based sports betting, there would still
be fewer betting options available than there are online. The top sportsbooks in
Las Vegas can’t even provide as many odds as the top sports betting sites in
Massachusetts. Don’t believe us?
Head back up to the top of this page and look at a few of the Massachusetts
sports betting websites we are recommending. Most of these companies will offer
literally thousands of different odds every single day. There are lines
available on just about every sporting event taking place around the world.
What is the Legality of Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites?
For decades, sports betting in the United States was confined to Nevada. In
May of 2018, the US Supreme Court famously ruled PASPA unconstitutional,
immediately giving states the ability to set their own laws on sports gambling.
Today, more than 10 states have outright legalized this popular industry.
Massachusetts has been pushing to regulate sports betting since February of
2018. That month, the state’s Gambling Commission released a 31-page paper that
outlines how to legalize the sports betting market. In January of 2019, a number
of different sports betting bills were introduced here. If passed, this state
will finally begin to regulate land-based and online sports gambling.
Until that happens, the legality of internet sports betting lies in a grey
area.
“Whoever, on a prosecution commenced within eighteen months after the
commission of the crime, is convicted of winning at one time or sitting, by
gaming or betting on the sides or hands of those gaming, money or goods to the
value of five dollars or more, and of receiving the same or security therefor,
shall forfeit double the value of such money or goods.”
These are confusing laws to say the least. Based on the information available
today, sports betting sites in Massachusetts still stand in a legal gray zone.
There are no laws here that specifically prohibit individuals from making wagers
over the internet.
It seems extremely likely that online sports betting will
become fully legal here within a few years. Even before that happens, there are
many amazing betting websites available to players.
Will I Be Prosecuted For Playing at Sports Betting Sites in Massachusetts?
It’s extremely unlikely. Massachusetts has shown a unique openness to the
online gambling industry. Bills are currently being reviewed to legalize and
regulate this market. We have not come across a single case of any individuals
facing legal trouble for playing at Massachusetts sports betting sites.
How Do I Stay Safe Playing at Sports Betting Sites in Massachusetts?
This state’s internet betting market may not be regulated by the government,
but for the most part, it’s completely safe. Word spreads very fast in the
online gambling industry, and any sports betting sites in Massachusetts caught
doing anything shady are typically blacklisted immediately.
There are still a few simple steps you can take to ensure your betting
experience is nothing but fun. Below are our top five tips to always follow
while playing at Massachusetts sports betting sites.
Only Play Through Reputable Sportsbooks
There is no better way to protect yourself while betting online than to play
through a reputable site. Legit sports betting sites in MA will
always offer secure payment options and a helpful customer support system. As
long as you stick to sites that are trustworthy, there’s a very good chance you
will never encounter an issue while betting online.
Massachusetts Online Casino
Never Bet More Than You Can Afford to Lose
One of the most common issues that bettors experience is wagering more money
than they should. It’s an easy thing to do, as sports betting is one of the most
exciting forms of gambling available today. To avoid this, simply track how much
you are betting. If you realize your habit is getting out of hand, take a break
for a month or two!
Always Be Willing to Reach out to Customer Support
If you join a good website, you may never encounter a single issue with your
betting experience. If, however, you need a question answered, it’s important to
always be willing to ask for help. Most of the Massachusetts betting
sites operating today provide numerous support options that are available 24/7.
Bet on Sports You Understand
This ties into the overspending aspect of gambling. It can be tempting to
wager money on sports you know nothing about in hopes of
winning big. This is generally unadvised. Your best chance to win money will
always be on sports that you know and understand.
Read the Details of Every Promotion Offer You Come Across
If you have already looked at a few different Massachusetts sports betting
sites, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a promotion already. Promotions are
simply bonus offers that sports betting sites in MA will offer to their members.
The most common offers are welcome deposits on your first deposit. These can be
a great tool to increase your spending money. Occasionally, they can also make
it difficult to actually withdraw your winnings. Make sure to read the details
of every single promotion before you decide to use them.
FAQ on Internet Sports Betting in Massachusetts
What Are the Most Important Features to Look for in Massachusetts Sports Betting Sites?
Some of the very best sports betting sites in the country are available in
MA. We highly recommend that you join a sportsbook offering safe payment
options, a modern design, helpful customer support options, and betting odds on
the sports you plan to wager on.
Why Are Sports Betting Sites in Massachusetts Growing so Popular Right Now?
Sports gambling is happening throughout the country. Online sports gambling
is growing particularly popular in Massachusetts right now because it’s the
safest option available and offers more wagering options than even the top
land-based sportsbooks in the country.
Is Online Sports Betting in Massachusetts Allowed?
Online Gambling In Massachusetts
Lawmakers in Massachusetts are in the process of legalizing and regulating
the sports betting industry. Fortunately, there are no laws in this state that
specifically prohibit placing sports wagers over the internet. Our experts have
not come across a single case of any individuals here being prosecuted for
playing at sports betting sites in MA.
How Can I Stay Safe Betting Online in Massachusetts?
Internet sports betting is safer than ever before. The best ways to ensure
that you stay safe in this market is to only play through reputable companies,
track how much money you are spending, be willing to reach out to customer
support, wager on sports that you understand, and read the details of every
promotion offer before you decide to use them.
Conclusion
Massachusetts is in a great position. Nearby states such as New Jersey and
New York have already legalized sports betting. Lawmakers here want a piece of
the huge revenue pie. Within a few years, it’s highly likely that both
land-based and online sports gambling will be completely legal throughout the
state.
Massachusetts Online Gambling Bill
For now, there are a number of incredible Massachusetts sports betting sites
available to players. Before making any bets, head over to our
gambling blog page and check
out our expert predictions on sporting events taking place around the country.
Good luck making your wagers!