The first state in New England to go live with commercial casinos, Plainridge Park Casino (2015), Massachusetts iGaming arrived in 2023, when Encore Boston Harbor launched WynnBET, the first of what we now know are multiple legal online casinos in MA. However, right beside Massachusetts across the border is the State of Michigan where online gaming has been humming along quite nicely since 2019. That’s got us wondering about the potential for online casinos in MA and if/when they will come. It’s a good idea to know about the options in nearby states, like MI online casinos, just in case.
online real money casino gamesEven though legal online casinos in Massachusetts are still in their diapers, lucky for you, these great lakes neighboring states have well-developed iGaming industries that offer hundreds of the best online slots, table games, video poker, and more. Plus, they are all licensed and regulated and completely legal. So, you might find yourself heading over to one of these legit online casinos outside of Massachusetts on those nights when you just want to risk a little and don't feel like fighting the weekend crowd at the local .
Online Casinos in MA – A Quick Overview
Before we jump into the specifics of MA gambling laws and the legality of offshore gambling sites, let’s take a closer look at the current state of online gambling in Massachusetts. As mentioned above, plans for online gambling in Massachusetts have already come to fruition. You’ll find that MA online casinos are limited to legal online sportsbooks linked arm-in-arm to brick-and-mortar casinos within the Commonwealth. The great news is, online sports betting in MA went live in 2023, so this thriving industry is just getting started! We expect to see legislation presented for official online casino bills relatively soon.
Best Real Money Casino Apps Update - Top Real Win PlatformsAnd while it could be a year or more before online casinos in Massachusetts become a reality, you can legally gamble online right now at legitimate out-of-state gaming sites. These offshore casinos have been providing secure, safe, and trustworthy online gambling to players around the country for years. We’ve thoroughly vetted several top sites, which you can read about below.
Is Gambling Illegal in Massachusetts?
Is gambling illegal in Massachusetts? No. In fact, you can gamble at both local establishments and online via offshore sites. But there are some important details to consider about the legality of it all. First, you must be 21+ to gamble in Massachusetts. Second, you should only gamble at places that are legally allowed and regulated according to state law. Third, you should always be aware of what you are putting at risk when you gamble by making a conscious effort to understand the concept of problem gambling and how to avoid it. Finally, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with Massachusetts gambling laws as explained on the official site.
Massachusetts Gambling Laws
According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 271, Section 17B, “whoever operates…a gambling house…is punished by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.” This statute defines a “grambling house” as “a place…whereon measures or means are used to determine the winner.” Furthermore, Chapter 23K, Sections 61-68L define the rules and regulations for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, charitable gaming, Class A and Class B licenses, suitability requirements, criminal history record checks, responsible gaming grants, and taxation.
Section 23K.64 outlines intrastate online gaming (sports betting, fantasy sports, and igaming) and states that “no person shall operate an interactive game unless the person holds an internet gaming license…and the real money gaming portion of the website on which the interactive game is offered is linked to a land-based casino with which the holder of the license has an operating agreement.” Basically, this means online sportsbooks must be connected to a brick-and-mortar casino within the state in order to obtain a valid license from the MGC.
Problem Gambling in Massachusetts
Before you engage in any form of legal gambling in MA, or anywhere else for that matter, it is imperative that you understand the very real risks associated with problem gambling. Unlike other vices, the line between fun and addiction is quite blurry. Unlike alcohol or drugs, for example, you cannot see or feel the substance you are consuming. Moreover, unlike slot machines in a casino or betting apps, you cannot tell how much you have spent or played without really paying attention.
It is super easy to tell yourself that you’ll play just one hand, or one spin, or one round, but the truth is that this usually leads to chasing your losses – another dangerous slippery slope for anyone with even a hint of addiction tendencies. The best thing you can do is go in with a set amount you are willing to lose (do not bet more than you can afford to lose), a type of game you would like to play, a time limit, and a firm commitment to walk away once any of these factors are met. If you or someone you love is struggling with compulsive gambling, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-327-5050 for confidential, free support.
Legal Gambling in Massachusetts
The Bay State offers plenty of opportunities for , whether you prefer the rush of slots and table games in a bustling casino, a quiet evening at your favorite local tavern, or the convenience of mobile sports betting apps from the comfort of home. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of legal gambling in Massachusetts.
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There are currently three major casinos open for business in the Bay State, plus one that is slated to open sometime in the future. Plainridge Park Casino was the first to hit the scene back in 2015, followed by MGM Springfield and the two venues at Encore Boston Harbor a few years later. There is also the highly anticipated $650 million casino resort being built in Milford, which is expected to create around 1,600 permanent jobs and 750 construction jobs.
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Plainridge Park Casino, 200 Maple St #4, Plainville, MA 02762; (508) 695-9000 | Slots only, no table games | Open 24 hours
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MGM Springfield, 1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103; (413) 220-6441 | Table games and slots | Open 24 hours
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Encore Boston Harbor, One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149; (855) 238-0050 | Table games and slots | Open 24 hours
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Wynn Boston Harbor, 318 Freeport St, Everett, MA 02149; (855) 68yan-WYN | Table games and slots | Open 24 hours
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Casino Reinvestment Authority Millboy Center, 231 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01610; (508) 754-2455 | Poker room | Hours vary
Mass. Sports Betting
Massachusetts became the sixteenth state (eighteenth jurisdiction including Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware) to offer legal sports betting on March 23, 2023, thanks to Governor Charlie Baker signing Bill SD.443 into law, officially called An Act authorizing the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to issue up to three additional first class resorts licences and allowing sports wagering in certain locations. The long wait for legal Mass. sports betting finally came to an end on Friday, March 10, 2023, when four retail sportsbooks joined nine online sportsbook apps that soft-launched in early January 2023. On January 19, Baker signed Bill H.3900, which allows residents to vote in November whether to approve the bill. On February 3, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously to recommend that Governor Charlie Baker sign the bill. The nine online sportsbooks linked to brick-and-mortar casinos in Massachusetts went fully live on March 11, 2023.
instant withdrawal casino no verificationOnline sports betting in Massachusetts is limited to bettors who are at least 21 years old located within the state. You do not have to be a resident to sign up for a sports betting account online, but you must enable location tracking software that verifies you are within state lines. You can use iOS or Android mobile devices, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers to register for an account, make a deposit, browse the odds, place single wagers, parlay bets, and access your account info. The nine online sportsbooks you can choose from include DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRiver, William Hill, Barstool Sportsbook.
List of Legal MA Sportsbooks
Here is a list of all the sportsbooks available in Massachusetts, including the nine online options and the four retail sportsbooks that opened on March 11, 2023. Online sportsbooks launched softlly in late 2022, going fully live on March 11, 2023, linked to the following four casinos across the state.
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- Encore Boston Harbor – WynnBet
- MGM Springfield – BetMGM
- Foxwoods Rehoboth – DraftKings
These are the first online sportsbooks in Massachusetts:
- DraftKings @ Plainridge Park Casino
- FanDuel @ MGM Springfield
- Caesars @ Plainridge Park Casino
- BetMGM @ MGM Springfield
- Barstool @ Rockland Trust Arena
- William Hill @ Plainridge Park Casino
- BetRivers @ Plainridge Park Casino
- iGaming Academy @ MGM Springfield
Retail sportsbooks that opened March 11, 2023, are:
- Plainridge Park Casino – Bally Bet
- Encore Boston Harbor – WynnBet
- MGM Springfield – BetMGM
- Foxwoods Rehoboth – DraftKings
Massachusets Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports are legal in Massachusetts according to Attorney General Maura Healey’s office, which issued an opinion in October 2015, stating that “fantasy sports are a game of skill and, therefore, do not constitute gambling under Massachusetts law.” This followed in DraftKings’ hometown, which many officials there were involved with.
However, following the explosive growth and national controversies of 2015, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously on March 22, 2016, to assert regulatory oversight of the industry, which the Massachusetts Court of Appeals upheld on August 30, 2017. As such, all major DFS sites are active in Massachusetts.
Mass. Online Lottery
If you’re looking for lottery tickets online, you’re in luck because the Massachusetts State Lottery has had an since 2014. Players must be 18+ years old and located within the state of Massachusetts to purchase instant tickets online or subscribe to second chance draws and iLottery games. You can pay with a debit card, bank account, or Lottery Mastercard. All winnings up to $600 will be deposited directly into your account, while prizes between $600.01 and $25,000 will require you to submit a claim form in person at one of ten Lottery Claim Centers or by mail and winners exceeding $25,000 must pick up their prize at Lottery headquarters in Braintree.
Horse Racing Betting and Tracks in MA
While there are no longer any racetracks left in Massachusetts, you can still bet on horse racing online at historic tracks in other states. Or, you can visit one of the two simulcasting facilities where you can watch and wager on races from around the country and world.
Best Download Casinos of 2023- Suffolk Downs, 1 Archway, East Boston, MA 02128; Now closed
- Plainridge Park Casino, 200 Maple St, Plainville, MA 02762; (508) 695-9000
Value Bet Masters is the top choice for legal online horse race betting in Massachusetts, offering live streaming TV and radio of races from around the globe. You can sign up online, over the phone, or in person at the venue.
Poker Rokins in Massachusetts
Poker players will find three brick-and-mortar casinos with poker rooms in Massachusetts, although hours may be limited due to staffing shortages. You can also enjoy daily and tournament poker games online through any of the mass. sports betting websites linked to casinos throughout the state.
Real Money Gambling Apps That Are Worth the Download in 2023- Plainridge Park Casino, 200 Maple St #4, Plainville, MA 02762; (508) 695-9000
- MGM Springfield, 1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103; (413) 220-6441
- Encore Boston Harbor, One Broadway, Everett,MA 02149; (855) 238-0050
MA Bingo Halls
According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 128, Section 2.A., bingo games may be conducted not more than twenty-one (21) times in any one week by any religious society, club, organization, or society that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by any organization that donates all of its profits to a person or organization described in Section 170(c)(2). Additionally, commercial bingo operations may be conducted under Chapter 23K, which requires a $25,000 fee for an Class A license for up to seven sessions per week or a Class B license for up to twenty-one sessions per week.
Commercial bingo halls must adhere to stringent rules and regulations regarding suitability, responsible gaming, advertising, security, taxes, and more. There are currently eleven bingo halls with commercial Class A or B licenses throughout the state, as listed on the official Mass. Gaming Commission website. Furthermore, numerous qualified charities hold regular bingo games throughout the Bay State.
Are Online Casinos in Massachusetts Legal?
As you can see, the online gambling landscape in Massachusetts is quickly evolving. Local voters approved a 2022 ballot question that expands gambling in the state, allowing up to three new resort casinos and one slots parlor. Governor Baker then signed Bill SD.443, which authorizes the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to issue those three resort casino licenses and allows sports betting in certain locations throughout the state. The governor also signed Bill H.3900, which will appear on the November 2022 ballot for voters to decide upon. Both bills were enacted on March 23, 2023, making Massachusetts the eighteenth state (sixteenth jurisdiction including ) to legalize sports betting.
Online Casino Games You Can Play For FreeIn short, this means that online casinos in Massachusetts are not yet legal, although state legislators have until the end of July 2022 to craft online casino regulation bills based on the existing gaming law. Once those bills are presented, the public comment period begins and the House and Senate committees will hold hearings and vote on each one. Assuming both houses pass the same bill, it moves on to the full House and Senate chambers for voting. If both chambers approve the online casino gaming bill, it goes to the governor’s desk for signature. After that, the MGC will issue online casino licenses to existing brick-and-mortar casinos in Massachusetts. This process could take at least a year.
Until then, Massachusetts residents and visitors over the age of 21 can legally play a wide variety of online slots and table games at the ten now online sportsbooks, which are all linked to physical casinos across the state. As we said earlier, it is legal for people aged 18+ to play at out-of-state gaming sites. Our recommended offshore online casinos in Massachusetts accept players from across the US and around the world, provided they are not protected persons under local gambling laws.
Why Choose Offshore Online Casinos Outside MA
It is clear that online casinos in Massachusetts are not an option just yet, but you absolutely do have some outstanding online gambling options at your fingertips. Of course, you can play online slots and table games at the newly launched sports betting websites, but the slot selection is quite small in comparison to what you get at the top offshore gaming sites. When you compare the top MA online casinos to the legit online casinos in Michigan, for example, you’ll find a much wider range of games, bonuses, and other premium iGaming features. Keep in mind that you can play at both types of online casinos within Massachusetts as long as you are not playing at both platforms at the same time. Here are some of the top reasons why so many locals prefer to gamble online at sites like our recommended number one, , which welcomes players from every corner of Massachusetts.
Taco Fest at Bear River Casino - All You Need to Know!- Ample Opportunity – With hundreds of slots and more added every month, you will never run out of hot drops, daily specials, and other progressive jackpot games. You’ll also discover a vast array of classic and modern table games, video poker, and specialty games.
- Bonus Bucks – Not only can you boost your bankroll with generous welcome bonuses, weekly rewards, and monthly promos, but you can also earn tier points to move up in VIP status for even more benefits, like cashback and reload bonuses, merchandise, and exclusive hot drop jackpots.
- Convenience – You can play your favorite casino games at any hour of the day or night from virtually any location within the state. All you need is a desktop computer or a mobile device with a stable WiFi or Internet connection and you are ready to roll.
- Free to Play – For those times when you want to pass the time without betting any real money, legit online casinos outside Massachusetts allow you to play almost every single game in demo mode. This means you can learn the ropes, try out different strategies, and simply have fun without risking a thing.
- Secure & Safe – Our recommended online casinos in Massachusetts use the latest SSL encryption and fraud prevention tools and security protocols to ensure fair play and protect your personal data and banking transactions. Plus, they are licensed and regulated by recognized gambling authorities, audited for fair games and payouts, and boast millions of dollars in monthly industry-leading payouts.
Gambling Age in Massachusetts
The legal gambling age in Massachusetts is 21 years old for casinos and the online lottery. However, commercial bingo games are permitted for individuals who are 18+, as well as military personnel who are at least 18 years old. Additionally, the mass. sports betting websites stipulate that players must be 21 years old to sign up and wager real money, but you do not have to be a resident of the state to register an account. All you need to verify that you are indeed located within Massachusetts borders.
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Are online casinos in Massachusetts legal?
Online casinos in Massachusetts are not legal just yet, although legislators have until July 2022 to turn the sports gambling bill into legislation that would legalize online casino gaming. Until then, you can enjoy online slots, table games, sports betting, lottery, bingo, and daily fantasy sports within the Bay State, or you can play at out-of-state online casinos.
Has Massachusetts legalized sports betting?
Yes. Massachusetts sports betting became legal on March 23, 023, thanks to Governor Charlie Baker signing Bill SD.443, authorizing sports betting in certain locations throughout the state. The first retail sportsbooks opened on March 11, 2023, with nine online sportsbooks going soft-live in early January 2023 and fully operational on March 11, 2023. Links to these ten sportsbooks are limited to users aged 21+ located within Massachusetts borders.
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The legal gambling age in Massachusetts is generally 21 years old, except for commercial bingo games that are permitted for individuals aged 18 and up, as well as military personnel who are at least 18. However, you must be at least 18+ to play bingo at charity events throughout the state.
Can I play Wynn Boston Harbor games right now?
Yes, Wynn Boston Harbor opened in June 2019 and is the largest resort casino in the Bay State with 2.7 million square feet of floor space, nearly 3,000 slots, electronic roulette machines, and table games, more than 30 poker tables, 166 hotel rooms, a spa, pool, salon, golf course, dozens of restaurants, bars, and lounges, and more. It is legally allowed to operate under strict guidelines and regulations set forth by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Where is Plainridge Park Casino?
Plainridge Park Casino is located at 200 Maple St, Plainville, MA 02762, in the Metrowest region of Norfolk County. You can call them at (508) 695-9000. This casino features hundreds of slot machines, electronic roulette games, blackjack, super stabber, and other exciting table games. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The casino also hosts live entertainment and fundraisers for local charities.
Is DraftKings legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, DraftKings is headquartered in Boston and co-founder Jason Robins is a strong advocate for daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting reform. The company's flagship brand is perfectly legal and available to adults aged 18+ in Massachusetts. Although DFS games are not specifically addressed in state gambling statutes, fantasy sports are legal in Massachusetts according to an opinion rendered by former Attorney General Maura Healy in 2015 and confirmed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in 2016, which a superior court upheld in 2017.
Do you have to live in Massachusetts to gamble online?
No. While it is always best to support local businesses, especially after they have supported your hobby or pastime, you can absolutely gamble online from anywhere within the state’s borders. You do not have to live in Massachusetts to sign up for a betting account, but you will have to verify that you are within state lines every time you log in to access your online casino or sportsbook.
How do I withdraw money from my online casino account?
Withdrawing money from your online casino or sportsbook account varies from one platform to the next, but most follow similar procedures. Once you sign up for an online betting account, you will need to provide identification documents to verify your name, address, and age, as well as proof of the deposit method you intend to use. After your initial deposit clears, you can initiate a withdrawal request, entering the amount you wish to transfer and confirming your ID and deposit method. Click to expand for a general idea of what to expect.
- Log in to Your Account – Enter your username and password to access your online betting account. If you clear sessions, you’ll need to enter a code sent to your phone via text message or authorization app.
- Navigate to Cashier – Locate the Cashier button or link, which is often found in the lobby, at the top or bottom of the page, or in the account settings.
- Select Withdrawal Tab – Look for the Word “Banking,” “Payment Methods,” or a person icon, then choose the withdrawal tab from the list of options.
- Enter Withdrawal Amount – Type in the amount of money you wish to pull out of your online betting account.
- Confirm Personal Info – Check your name, address, and preferred withdrawal method to ensure everything is correct. Making a change will require you to restart the withdrawal process.
- Type in Security Code – Enter the security code that was texted or generated for your device. This adds a layer of protection to prevent unauthorized withdrawals.
- Click Withdrawal Button – Find the big green button that says “Withdraw” or “Request Withdrawal.” Following the confirmation screen, you may be prompted to complete 2FA with your phone.
- Wait for Processing – The withdrawal request must be processed by the payments team, which typically takes just a few hours.
- Receive Money – Once your identity and payment method have been verified, your withdrawal should arrive within 2-5 days for bank transfers and 1-5 days for Bitcoin withdrawals.
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