Massachusetts Sports Betting — Best Sportsbooks and Apps | Outkick

Massachusetts sports betting has been live since Aug. 10, 2022, when the Massachusetts Gaming Commission licensed retail operators. The first online operators were approved on March 10, 2023. Bettors in the state can now choose from seven legal sportsbook apps.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Massachusetts and has been since Aug. 10, 2022, for anyone over the age of 21 and physically located inside the state. 

Best Massachusetts Sportsbooks and Betting Apps

With seven different options for sports betting in Massachusetts, it can be difficult to figure out which is right for you. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the apps available and provide you with details on what users like and dislike about the app. 

FanDuel Sportsbook Massachusetts

• Lightning-quick speeds are synonymous with FanDuel Sportsbook and provide users with fast load times.
• FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the most innovative apps available, having launched Same Game Parlays and providing a great bet builder to place those wagers.
• Fast and reliable withdrawals make getting your money a breeze after using FanDuel.
• Odds on player props at FanDuel Sportsbook are typically in line or better than other apps.
• There can be occasional issues with geolocation, especially near state borders.

BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts

• The Edit My Bet feature on BetMGM Sportsbook is great for adding, swapping, or removing legs from wagers to increase the stakes.
• The MGM Sportsbook provides a great rewards program that provides points for each wager that can be redeemed for perks and stays at MGM properties.
• BetMGM offers very competitive odds on spreads, totals, and sides, especially on the major sports.
• Users are consistently offered “Lions Boosts”, which give profit boosts on parlays across the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL.
• Building plays can be a bit difficult as their parlay and same game parlay builder aren’t quite as clean as competitors.

Fanatics Sportsbook Massachusetts

• Fanatics Sportsbook provides users with FanCash as a rewards system, allowing for up to a 5% return on every wager.
• Users don’t need to win big in order to request withdrawals from Fanatics Sportsbook, as they offer low minimums and payouts.
• Searching is simple and easy with Fanatics Sportsbook, making placing bets a smooth process.
• There aren’t quite as many sports and betting markets for more obscure sports and leagues on Fanatics Sportsbook.

theScore Bet Massachusetts

• theScore Bet Massachusetts provides users with frequent odds boosts and parlay bonuses.
• The in-play coverage and live betting combination make placing an informed wager on a current game through theScore Bet easy and convenient.
• Tennis bettors will love the coverage that theScore Bet provides with customer-friendly rules.
• PENN Play Rewards are provided to theScore Bet users, which can be used on bonus bets or perks at PENN casinos.

Massachusetts Sportsbook Welcome Offers

Massachusetts Sportsbook apps provide new users with welcome offers to get them familiar with their app and to try it out. Many will use some form of either a bet-and-get, profit boost, or deposit match offer. In order to bet-and-get, you usually just need to bet a small amount and fulfill small objectives to receive bonus funds into your account. Profit boost bets give your winning payout an extra amount. Deposit matches are simple — you deposit an amount, the book will provide you with a fraction or 100% of the value you deposit as a bonus. 

How to Sign Up for a Sportsbook in Massachusetts

1. Download the Massachusetts sportsbook app of your choice.
2. Enter your personal information.
3. Go through account verification and location checks.
4. Deposit funds into your account.
5. Claim the welcome offer. Note: This step may be completed during the sign-up process.
6. Place your first wager. (You must be within the state limits to wager, and note that being by the border of a state could fail the geolocation check).

Massachusetts Sports Betting Laws and Timeline

After sports betting was approved nationally in 2018, Massachusetts lawmakers deliberated before finally agreeing on Aug. 1, 2022, that it would be passed in the state. On Aug. 10, of 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5164 into law. Retail books opened on Jan. 31, 2023. Online sportsbooks followed shortly thereafter, launching March 10, 2023. 

Teams and Markets to Bet On in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a rich history of sports and talented teams, mostly from the Boston area. The Boston Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins represent the NBA, MLB, and NHL, respectively. In the NFL, the New England Patriots are one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. There are some college teams like Harvard and Boston College that are also popular to wager on. 

College Sports Betting Rules in Massachusetts

College sports generate a lot of interest for sports bettors, and those in Massachusetts are permitted to partake in wagering on them. However, you cannot bet on individual player props at the collegiate level, and you cannot bet on any in-state team unless it is a postseason or multi-team tournament game like during March Madness. 

Retail Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

There are retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts, with Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino being the three locations.

Licensed Retail Locations:

Encore Boston Harbor (WynnBET Sportsbook) – Everett

MGM Springfield (BetMGM Sportsbook) – Springfield

Plainridge Park Casino (PENN Sportsbook) – Plainville

Responsible Gambling Resources in Massachusetts

• 1-800-GAMBLER
• 1-800-MY-RESET
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gam-Anon and Gamblers Anonymous
• Problem Gambling Self-Assessment
• PlayWell.org
• MA Problem Gambling – 800-327-5050

Massachusetts Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Massachusetts for anyone over the age of 21 who is physically in the state. 

What is the best sportsbook in Massachusetts?

Choosing the best sportsbook takes some time to discover what you like and want to get out of an app. The good news is you can use as many as you’d like to see which one you prefer. 

How old do you have to be to bet in Massachusetts?

You must be 21 or older to wager on sports in Massachusetts. 

Can you bet on college sports in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can bet on college sports in Massachusetts. However, you cannot wager on player props and cannot bet on in-state teams unless they are in the postseason or a multi-team tournament. 

Do you have to live in Massachusetts to bet there?

No, you just have to be in the state physically when the wager is placed. 

How many sportsbooks are legal in Massachusetts?

There are seven legal online sportsbooks in Massachusetts. 

Can you bet on sports in Massachusetts without an app?

You can wager on sports in Massachusetts without an app if you visit one of three retail sportsbooks in the state.