Is Online Gambling Legal in Massachusetts?

What Gambling Is Legal in Massachusetts

Only two online gambling verticals are live in the state of Massachusetts. That’s sports betting and DFS, with most of the other forms not legal.

Sports Betting in Massachusetts: Legal Since 2023

Massachusetts legalized online betting when governor Charlie Baker signed the House Bill 5164 on August 10, 2022. Retail sportsbooks were open first on January 31, 2023, followed by online sportsbooks on March 10, 2023.

See the full list of licensed Massachusetts sportsbooks for offers, terms, and more.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Massachusetts: Legal, and 21 to Play

Daily fantasy sports is legal in Massachusetts for players over the age of 21. That’s not the same as in other states, where the legal age is 18.

The state of Massachusetts has strict consumer-protection rules for DFS since 2016. It was the first US state do set these rules, raising the legal age bar to 21 instead of 18. Check our Massachusetts daily fantasy sports coverage for the live operators in the state.

Online Casino in Massachusetts: Not Legal

Online casinos are not legal in Massachusetts. They’ve never been legalized, so searches for Massachusetts online casino or online casino Massachusetts will return the same answer. No licensed online casino operator in the state, and no legal path to play real-money casino games.

Online Poker in Massachusetts: Not Legal

Online poker in Massachusetts is not legal either. There’s no licensed operator, leaving poker fans without games to play online.

Prediction Markets: Federal, Not State

Prediction markets in Massachusetts are legal, but under federal, and not local law. Operators that offer prediction markets are regulated by the CFTC as event-contract exchanges. There’s no separate Massachusetts license for this category.

Regarding the age limit, that’s 21 for sports betting and DFS, as well as land-based casino gaming. Players participating in the Massachusetts State Lottery and keno games must be 18 or older.

Who Regulates Gambling in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission

The three land-based casinos and online betting and DFS operators in the state are licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Prediction markets fall under CFTC regulation.

The MGC is among the most proactive operators. It holds public hearings regularly on operator conduct and reviews advertising in a way other states don’t.

Because of this, the practical rules that apply to this market are different from others.

How to File a Complaint

Players at Massachusetts online sportsbooks or DFS operators may file a complaint if they run into an issue. Complaints are routed to and resolved through the Commission directly. Check the Commission’s own licensing register to confirm there are no complaints for an operator before signing up.

Where to Get Help in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 800-327-5050. Players can call this number or text “GAMB” to reach out to professional agents.

The state’s responsible gambling program, GameSense, aims to help players in need, with judgment-free assistance available. It’s delivered directly to online gambling platforms. Check our responsible gambling resources for more information.

Where You Can Bet in Massachusetts

Licensed Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

Currently, a total of seven online sports betting operators are live in the state of Massachusetts. These are:

• BetMGM
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Fanatics
• theScore Bet
• Bally Bet
• Caesars Sportsbook

DraftKings is the native operator, with its headquarters in Boston. Despite that, it only offers online sports betting and DFS, and no online casino games.

If you’re looking to sign up with a sportsbook in the state, see the full Massachusetts sportsbook comparison for offers, terms, and more.

You Cannot Bet on BC or UMass

Similar to other online betting markets in the USA, Massachusetts doesn’t allow college betting on local and other teams. This means you can’t bet on Boston College, UMass, and Boston University game in any shape, unless the team competes in a tournament with four or more teams.

For example, bets on BC regular season games are not legal. However, you can bet on the team’s games in March Madness.

The state of Massachusetts also bans college player props entirely. That’s for any college and player, not just the local ones. This state-wide restriction applies on any competition or tournament, regardless of the team.

Additionally, Massachusetts also bans betting on LIV golf events, after the MGC rejected a DraftKings proposal to add the tournament to the sports betting catalog. Active Esports markets are limited while legally permitted. The reason for these limitations is because the state only allows wagering on Esports markets that are sanctioned by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

What Is Not Available

The state hasn’t legalized online casino gaming and online poker. Check the daily fantasy sports tracker for full coverage of available DFS options.

Our prediction markets tracker, which includes Kalshi, will let you know what’s available in prediction markets.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Massachusetts

Massachusetts State Tax on Winnings

Massachusetts taxes gambling winnings at a flat rate of 5%. It’s classified as ordinary Part B income. An additional surtax of 4% of annual taxable income applies on higher thresholds at roughly $1.08 million.

The 4% Surtax on High Incomes

A higher annual gambling winnings income is charged differently from smaller wins. An extra 4% surtax applies if you hit wins totaling roughly over $1.08 in a year. In this case, the top marginal rate is 9%.

The surtax was approved by voters in 2022. It applies to single large wins in the same way as it applies on a high salary.

What You Still Owe Federally

Federal tax still applies on top of the state rate. Operators issue a W-2G once payouts cross the deferral reporting threshold. Check the local tax laws before proceeding. This is general information, not tax advice.

Pending Massachusetts Gambling Legislation

Online Casino: Filed, Not Passed

Online casino bills have been filed previously in Massachusetts, but so far, none have passed. The legislation was deferred to the Gaming Commission’s own study, but there haven’t been any legislations moving forward.

Sweepstakes: Still No Ban

Unlike other states, Massachusetts has not banned sweepstakes platform. A bill to ban these sites (dual-currency sweepstakes casinos) was filed in the 2026 session, but it didn’t pass.

The format is still lawful in Massachusetts, which is in stark contrast to states such as Louisiana or Maine, where sweeps platforms are either banned or criminalized.

What the Commission Is Reviewing

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission continues to review operator conduct regularly. It also reviews advertising standards, and responsible gambling requirements via public hearings.

This is the main mechanism that changes gambling rules in Massachusetts instead of new legal frameworks.

Where to Bet in Massachusetts

Frequently asked questions

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