Massachusetts Sports Betting Guide 2026

Yes. Sports betting is fully legal in Massachusetts. Lawmakers approved sports wagering in 2022, and the first retail sportsbooks opened on January 31, 2023 at the state’s casinos. Online and mobile sports betting launched statewide on March 10, 2023, just in time for that year’s college basketball tournament.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission licenses and regulates operators, maintains a catalog of approved events, sets advertising and responsible gambling standards, and enforces the state’s strict rules on college wagering and player props.

Quick facts

• Sports betting law signed in 2022
• Retail launched January 31, 2023
• Online launched March 10, 2023
• 21 plus and located in Massachusetts to bet
• Online and retail sportsbooks both allowed

Massachusetts has become a competitive online sports betting market, with many of the largest national brands licensed in the state. Apps such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook and ESPN BET operate under the oversight of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Opening accounts at several licensed books lets you compare odds, take advantage of different welcome offers and find the interface that fits you best.

The list of active Massachusetts sportsbooks can change over time as licenses are awarded, suspended or surrendered. Always verify that any app you use appears on the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s list of approved operators.

Massachusetts has a modern sports betting framework with consumer-friendly protections and some of the strictest limitations on college wagering in the country. Knowing the rules will help you avoid declined or voided bets.

Who can bet in Massachusetts

• You must be at least 21 years old
• You must be physically located inside Massachusetts when placing a wager
• You must pass identity and age verification when creating an account
• You must use your own account; betting on behalf of others is not allowed

What you can bet on

• Professional sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and major international leagues
• Most college sports involving out-of-state teams (subject to tournament and prop rules)
• Golf, tennis, motorsports, combat sports and other approved events
• Futures such as championships, win totals and awards
• Team-level props and live betting on many approved events

What you cannot bet on

• Regular-season games involving in-state college teams such as Boston College or UMass
• Any college player props, even for out-of-state teams
• College games involving Massachusetts teams outside of certain collegiate tournaments
• High school sports and most youth events
• Events or bet types not listed on the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s wagering catalog
• Bets with offshore sportsbooks that do not hold a Massachusetts license

In-state college rule

Generally, you cannot bet on regular-season games involving Massachusetts college teams. The main exception is when an in-state team is playing in a qualifying collegiate tournament, such as March Madness, in which case limited markets may be offered. Even then, player props remain off the board.

College sports betting is tightly regulated in Massachusetts. The state draws a clear line between in-state and out-of-state teams and completely bans college player-specific props.

Allowed on college sports

• Moneylines, spreads and totals on games between out-of-state college teams
• Limited wagers on Massachusetts college teams when they play in certain tournaments (for example, March Madness)
• Team-level futures on approved college events, such as national championship markets
• Team-level props and select live markets where permitted by the wagering catalog

Not allowed on college sports

• Any bet on regular-season games involving Massachusetts college teams
• College player props for any team, whether in-state or out-of-state
• Most college bets involving in-state schools outside of qualifying tournaments
• Any college market that does not appear in your sportsbook’s menu due to regulatory or operator limits

If a college market you expect to see is missing, assume it is restricted by law or operator policy. Do not attempt to bypass these rules by using unlicensed or offshore books.

Sports betting taxes in Massachusetts impact both operators and individual bettors. Understanding the basics can help you avoid surprises at tax time.

Taxes on Massachusetts sportsbooks

• Online sportsbook revenue is generally taxed by the state at around 20 percent of adjusted gross wagering revenue
• Retail sportsbook revenue is taxed at a slightly lower rate
• Portions of tax revenue support public programs, including education and responsible gambling initiatives
• These taxes are paid by operators, not charged directly on each bet

Taxes on bettors and gambling winnings

• Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level
• Massachusetts also taxes gambling winnings as part of state income tax
• Large wins may trigger automatic withholding and a federal or state tax form (such as a W-2G)
• Both residents and nonresidents must report taxable gambling winnings from Massachusetts sources

This is general information, not personal tax advice. Always consult a tax professional about how your sports betting activity fits into your federal and Massachusetts tax filings, especially if you wager frequently or in larger amounts.

In addition to mobile apps, Massachusetts offers retail sportsbooks at licensed casinos and certain partner locations. These venues provide a more social way to bet and often tie into the same brands you use online.

What to expect at Massachusetts retail sportsbooks

• Sports lounges with large screens showing multiple live events
• Staffed betting windows and self-service kiosks
• Opportunities to deposit or withdraw cash linked to your online account at some locations
• Special promos and event-day experiences for major games and local teams

Retail locations, partners and brands can change as licenses evolve. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission publishes the official list of approved facilities and operators.

Getting started with legal sports betting in Massachusetts is straightforward. You can complete the setup process on your phone in just a few minutes.

• Choose one or more licensed Massachusetts sportsbook apps you want to try.
• Download each app or visit the official website and select Massachusetts as your state.
• Create an account with your name, address, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number or other requested ID.
• Enable location services so the app can verify that you are physically inside Massachusetts.
• Make your first deposit using a supported payment method such as online banking, debit card, or an approved wallet.
• Review any welcome bonus terms so your first bet or deposit qualifies for a promotion.
• Place your first wager and follow your bets, results and promotions within the app.

For most players, having at least two or three Massachusetts sportsbook accounts is ideal. Multiple apps let you compare odds, take advantage of different promos and avoid relying too heavily on a single book.

Compare top Massachusetts sportsbooks

A strong legal market is great for bettors, but smart habits are still essential to keep wagering fun and under control. A few simple practices can help you get more from Massachusetts sportsbooks.

Positive habits

• Set a clear weekly or monthly betting budget and stick to it
• Use multiple legal books to compare lines and shop for the best odds
• Focus on sports and markets you follow closely
• Track your bets, stakes, odds and results in a simple log
• Use deposit, loss or time limits inside the apps if you feel tempted to overbet

Things to avoid

• Chasing losses with larger or more frequent wagers
• Trying to place banned college player props through workarounds
• Using offshore books that are not licensed in Massachusetts
• Letting betting impact your work, relationships or finances

If betting stops feeling fun or you feel out of control, reach out to the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health or call 1-800-327-5050. Help is free, confidential and available 24/7.