There are no land-based casinos in Boston or indeed any of its surrounding areas (yet). However, there are casinos within a short drive from the city center.
MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino are around one hour’s drive from central Boston. The $1billion Encore Boston Harbor is roughly a 20-minute drive from the city across the border in Everett, close to Logan Airport and the Ted Williams Tunnel. All three offer plenty of gaming options in luxurious settings.
This guide reviews each casino, outlining the games available, dining options, and amenities on offer. We have also included information about upcoming casinos in Massachusetts, so keep reading to learn more.
Reasons Why Playing Free Slots Is Better Than You ThinkIs it legal to play online casino games in Boston? Temporarily yes.
While lawmakers continue to dither about whether they will authorize online gaming, several well-known offshore casino-sportsbook operations are eagerly signing up MA customers. There is nothing local authorities can do about this because regulating internet gaming is a matter that has been left to individual states since the Wire Act was reinterpreted in 2011.
For now, major brand names like BetOnline, Bovada, DraftKings, and others are openly soliciting MA business. This might change if the state decides to regulatory online gaming, but that is unlikely to happen before 2023. Until then, enjoy the offshore sites while you can—just use discounted bitcoin or another anonymous payment method when you sign up and deposit some cash.
A note of caution, though. While these sites are certainly accessible to anyone in Massachusetts right now, it is not known if their products have been vetted for integrity by an independent third-party testing lab. Over the years many questionable operators have filled the online gap subscription vacuums created by states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
As always, we recommend that readers stick with the proven fair and honest casinos and sportsbooks previously reviewed on Pokerlistings.com.
ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR RESORT
The $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor opened to much fanfare in June 2019. It is Massachusetts’ first integrated resort and the biggest construction project in the history of the Bay State. It is also the state’s first full-service casino, Plainridge Park Casino being a slots and electronic table games room.
It is owned and operated by Wynn Resorts and is the sister property to the famous Wynn Las Vegas and the premium Massachusets resort, Encore Boston Harbor is huge, covering 3.4 million square feet with 210,00 square feet dedicated to gaming. There are 3,158 rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, an outdoor pool area with spa, plus tons more entertainment and leisure facilities.
Encore Boston Harbor
Gaming Options at Encore Boston Harbor
The casino spreads over 100,000 square feet of gaming space with 3,158 of the latest slot machines, 159 table games, 40 poker tables, and 37 table game variants. It is one of the few casinos in America where you can play Baccarat Banque and nine different poker variations.
It is also one of the few places you can play Pai Gow, along with mini and Midi Baccarat, Rapid Roulette, Rapid Craps, and exclusive Wynn Etiquette tables. High rollers are catered for with salons VIP and higher, offering stakes as high as $10,000. Common table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat start at just 50c.
Restaurants and Bars at Encore Boston Harbor
Encore Boston Harbor has 36 dining options, including 10 restaurants. There are so many choices, it would be impossible not to find something suitable. Options include the following:
- Rare Steakhouse: A classic American steakhouse serving top quality USDA Prime Beef, seafood, and seasonal produce.
- Osteria Luppolo: An Italian restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and grilled meats and fish.
- Mister Ducks Chinese Restaurant: Authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared fresh to order using only the highest quality ingredients.
- Sinatra: An elegant restaurant serving modern American dishes inspired by Frank Sinatra’s favorite foods.
There are dozens of quick serve and grab food options too, such as burger joints, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors. Plus, there are several bars and lounges, including a sports bar, Irish pub, and cigar bar.
Other Amenities at Encore Boston Harbor
Encore Boston Harbor is so much more than a casino. It is an entertainment destination in itself. Here’s a look at what else it offers:
- Spa and Fitness Center
- Outdoor Pool Area
- Shops and Boutiques
- Show theaters
- Music Venues
One interesting feature of the resort is its art collection. There are original works of art by national and international artists worth millions of dollars dotted around the walls. If you want to stay at Encore Boston Harbor, check out our .
How to Get to Encore Boston Harbor
Being called the “Boston Harbor” resort, most people assume Encore Boston Harbor is situated in or around the city of Boston. In fact, it sits on an elevated position overlooking the harbor across the water from Boston, in Everett, Massachusetts, which is actually in the neighboring county (Middlesex), close to the border with Suffolk (where Boston is located).
It’s important to note that the resort is super easy to get to from the city thanks to the fantastic road and air links. It’s literally a couple of minutes from the start of the Central Artery/Tunnel (I-93/Route 1A/US 1/MA 2A) better known as the “Big Dig” or “Ted Williams Tunnel”. This is the main route in and out of the city via the interstate highways (I-95/Route 128 also loops around here).
Logan International Airport is even better. Encore Boston Harbor is basically its as it sits on an Artificial peninsula jutting into the harbor between the airport and the mainland. Shuttle buses run regularly to and from North and South Stations in the heart of downtown Boston, as well as other destinations. A cab or ride share to/from Downtown Boston costs around $20-25.
Massive MGM Springfield Approved – Open!
MGM Springfield finally got the green light after years of delays due to environmental impact assessments. And in late August 2018, the $950 million resort opened its doors to much fanfare.
It is the first of its kind in the region and the biggest development of its type in recent years. The casino sits on 14.5 acres of land in the southern part of Downtown Springfield, close to the historic Union Station.
MGM Springfield
Gaming Options at MGM Springfield
MGM Springfield may be classified as a “destination resort,” but it still packs a punch when it comes to gaming. The 100,000 square foot gaming floor features around 2,550 slot machines, 98 table games, 34 poker tables, and a high stakes lounge.
betmgm casino phone numberIn addition to traditional fare like blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat, MGM Springfield spreads some lesser seen games in Massachusetts, such as Spanish 21, Pai Gow, and Crapless Craps. It’s also one of the few casinos in the state with Fortune Pai Gow and Three-Card Poker.
Restaurants and Bars at MGM Springfield
MGM Springfield has a great selection of sit-down and fast food restaurants. Whatever time of day it is, there is bound to be something to suit your taste buds and hunger levels. From fine dining to takeaway pizza and burgers, MGM Springfield has it all.
There are nine eateries inside the casino. Here’s a quick overview of what they serve:
- Good Spirits Bar & Lounge: Classic cocktails and small plates in a chic setting overlooking the city.
- The Roost: Beer garden style venue with indoor and outdoor seating. Craft beers, frozen drinks, and hearty pub grub.
- East Branch Park’s Laundry on Centre: Sandwiches, soups, salads, and craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Jumbo Max: Classic ballpark snacks and hot dogs.
- Lobby Bar: Premium spirits, wines, and beers in the hotel lobby.
- TAP Sports Bar: Watch the game and enjoy classic American pub grub and a wide selection of beers on tap.
- SOL Italian Marketplace: Italian marketplace ambiance. Fresh pasta and sauces cooked to order.
- Zao Asian Bistro: Pan-Asian cuisine featuring China, Japan, and Korea.
- The Chandler: Fine dining steakhouse serving prime cuts, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails.
Other Amenities at MGM Springfield
MGM Springfield is so much more than a casino, which is typical of the MGM brand. Aside from the numerous places to eat and drink, the casino has lots of other amenities, including:
- State-of-the-art Cinema
- Bowling Alley
- 300-Seat Arts and Entertainment Theater
- 14-Foot Rock Climbing Experience (part of the fitness centre)
- Sky Bar Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Hotels at MGM Springfield
The CRIF rating for MGM Springfield is 77, which puts it in the elite “Excellent” category. The casino resorted $30million into the property in July 2021 to improve the guest rooms and common areas.
All 253 rooms and suites were updated with new carpeting, furniture, artwork, lighting fixtures, window treatments, and bathrooms. Plus, the casino refreshed the headboards, accent walls, and added new bedding, pillows, blankets, and bathrobes.
The CRIF report stated: "MGM Springfield is highly regarded throughout the community as a premier employer, with a strong track record of community involvement and charitable giving."
It continued: "Guests speak very positively about their experiences at this property, with particular praise for the hotel rooms, cleanliness, restaurant and bar offerings, and service excellence."
Plainridge Park Casino
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Gaming Options at Plainridge Park Casino
Plainridge Park Casino is a small slots parlor. It used to have some electronic table games, but these were removed when the state banned such venues. Now it is purely a high plains desert of slots.
To be more precise, there are around 1,500 of them. At least they’re new and shiny ones, including progressive jackpots that are linked to similar machines at other Massachusets casinos.
Restaurants and Bars at Plainridge Park Casino
Gamblers getting peckish at the slots can choose between a handful of casual eateries. There are also a couple of bars, one of which are located outside the gaming area. Here’s a look at what Plainridge Park Casino has to offer:
- 1909 – American Southern: This is the main restaurant and serves up comfort food from the south USA. It’s open from 8am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 8am to 12midnight Friday and Saturday.
- Hearth ‘n Soul: This place serves up healthy food and is open from 11am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 10pm Friday and Saturday.
- Café Menu: Available in all of the casino’s eateries, this menu serves up sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, flatbreads, and desserts from 9am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 11pm Friday and Saturday.
- Barstool Sports Palace: This sports bar has 50 big screen TVs and is packed with Barstool Sport memorabilia. It serves food and drinks from 9am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am to midnight Friday and Saturday.
- Whiskey Bird Bar: Located next to 1909, this bird-themed bar is open from 8am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 8am to midnight Friday and Saturday.
- Burger Joint: This self-service burger joint is located near the sports bar. It’s open from 11am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 10pm Friday and Saturday.
- Starbucks: Because you can’t go anywhere these days without finding a Starbucks. This one is located outside the gaming floor and opens at 5:30am Sunday to Thursday and 5am Friday and Saturday.
Cambridge Cannabis Concept Gets Green Light
The Cannabis Control Commission gave initial approval to a cannabis concept known as “New England Consumer Choice” in May 2021. The company wants to build a 4,000 square foot dispensary in Kendall Square, Cambridge.
If plans receive final approval, it could become the first recreational pot shop in the city. It would be located on a site adjacent to the MBTA Red Line station.
- Timeline: Q3 2022
- Size: TBC
- Onsite facilities: TBC
- Owner: New England Consumer Choice
Filene's Site Earmarked For Sudbury Casino Resort
In January 2021, Cordish Cos. Submitted plans to turn the old Filene’s site in Charleston into a $1 billion integrated casino resort. The developer behind Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland wants to build a 21-story hotel with 350 rooms, as well as a 6,600 capacity auditorium.
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The plan also includes 300,000 square feet of gaming space, 40 or so retail outlets, 50 eateries, and a garage with spaces for 4,000 cars. Ordinally, the developer wants to build 690 residential units, but this component may be dropped to secure planning permission.
- Timeline: TBC
- Size: 3,800,000 sq ft
- Onsite facilities: 350-room hotel, 21-story tower, 6,600-capacity auditorium, 300,000 sq ft gaming space, 40 retail stores, 50 eateries, 4,000-space car park.
- Owner: Cordish Co.
Solomon Group's $1bn Integrated Resort Proposal
In November 2021, the Massachusetts Gambling Commission selected the Solomon Group’s proposal for a $1bn integrated casino resort in the city of Springfield. The proposed site is currently home to the aging Union Station transportation hub.
The Solomon Group’s proposal includes a 30-story hotel with 450 rooms, a 15-story parking garage, and a 100,000 square foot casino. There will also be 300,000 square feet of commercial and residential space, according to this news report by Masslive.
- Timeline: TBC
- Size: 3,000,000 sq ft
- Onsite facilities: 450-room hotel, 300,000 sq ft gaming space, 15-story parking garage, 300,000 square feet of commercial and residential space.
- Owner: Solomon Group
OTHER ATTRACTIONS NEAR ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR AND MGM SPRINGFIELD
Historical monuments, world-class museums, academic institutions, professional sports teams, scenic parks, and shopping malls… Boston has them all. New England’s finest city has something for everyone, and that’s before we mention the amazing fall foliage, quaint coastal towns, and picturesque beaches.
The following list highlights some of the main attractions in and around the city. Needless to say, there is plenty to see and do in and around Beantown.
Museums and Historical Attractions
Boston is steeped in history. It played a significant role in the founding of the United States and battles fought during the War of Independence are commemorated throughout the city. Some of the must-see historical sites are listed below, along with a couple of excellent museums.
- Freedom Trail: This 2.5 mile pedestrian only trail passes 16 historically significant sites dating back to the birth of America. These include churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, and museums.
- Bunker Hill Monument: This 221-foot tall granite obelisk commemorates the first battle of the Revolutionary War.
- Paul Revere House: This small house belonged to the famous patriot who warned the colonists that the British were coming.
- Old North Church: This church dates back to 1723 and is famous for two signals hung from its towers in 1775: One if by land, and two if by sea.
- Museum of Fine Arts: This world class art museum boasts an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, European masterpieces, and contemporary works.
- New England Aquarium: Home to a variety of marine life, including penguins, sharks, sea turtles, and giant ocean tank.
- Museum of Science: Interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and an IMAX theater make learning fun for kids and adults.
Scenic Areas and Nature Reserves
Despite its size and urban nature, Boston has many scenic spots and beautiful natural areas. Some are located within the city limits, while others are a short drive away. The following are just a handful of suggestions.
- Charles River Esplanade: This eight mile park runs along the banks of the Charles River. It’s a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and fireworks displays.
- Franklin Park Zoo: This 72-acre zoo is home to hundreds of exotic animals. Among the favorites are the African penguins, giraffes, and lions.
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University: This 152-year old botanical research institution covers 149 acres and contains more than 15,000 trees.
- Boston Public Library: This stunning building is filled with books, art, and architecture. The courtyard is particularly pleasant on sunny days.
- Castellani Hendrix Theatre: This intimate 236-seat theatre is home to the Boston Ballet Company and is located on the Fenway campus of Simmons University.
- Harvard Art Museums: Renowned for its impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and archaeological artefacts.
- Walden Pond: Made famous in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden; or Life in the Woods, this 107-acre reservoir is perfect for swimming, boating, and ice skating in winter.
Professional Sports Teams
Boston is home to some of the most iconic franchises in sport. Whether it’s baseball, basketball, hockey, football, or soccer, Beantown’s fans know how to create an electrifying atmosphere. The following teams play in world-renowned stadiums and arenas.
- Boston Celtics – NBA (Basketball) – TD Garden (Capacity: 18,624)
- Boston Bruins – NHL (Ice Hockey) – TD Garden (Capacity: 17,565)
- New England Patriots – NFL (American Football) – Gillette Stadium (Capacity: 65,878)
- New England Revolution – MLS (Soccer) – Gillette Stadium (Capacity: 20,000)
- Boston Red Sox – MLB (Baseball) – Fenway Park (Capacity: 37,740)
Tips for Visiting Massachusetts Casinos
Massachusetts divides its gaming revenue into four categories: Slots, Banked Table Games, Unbanked Table Games, and Racing. The revenue generated from each category is subject to different tax rates. Anyone aged 21+ can enter a Massachusetts casino, but to raise, wager, and pay taxes, you have to be 21.
You need to be 21 to…
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- Wager on credit.
- Receive gambling establishment winnings.
- Pay gambling estate taxes on gambling proceeds.
Anyone aged 18+ can play slot machines and arcade games, provide identification for someone raising credit, and receive up to $3,000 in slot machine winnings without paying tax. Winnings over $3,001 require 5% to be paid to the gaming establishment as a withholding tax.
Gaming Establishments must then send this money to the Department of Revenue on behalf of the winner. The department will then determine if more tax is owing and issue a refund if too much tax was withheld.
Massachusetts does not impose income tax on gambling winnings if they are less than the amount subject to federal withholding. If they are greater, the winnings are subject to both state and federal income tax.
Why You Should Stay at the Casino
Firstly, it’s important to stress that you don’t have to stay at the casino to visit it. Any legal age adult is free to rock up, gamble, dine, and drink in either venue. That said, staying at the resort can often enhance your experience.
Here are three great reasons why:
- Convenience – You can gamble, eat, and drink without having to jump in a cab or fight traffic in and around Boston.
- Entertainment – Resorts like Encore Boston Harbor have theatrical shows, live music, comedy nights, and other forms of entertainment. You won’t find these outside of the resort.
- Relaxation – The spas at Mass chalks are out of this world. A day at the spa followed by an evening of gaming and fine dining is hard to beat.
Best Times to Visit Massachusetts
Like everything else in America, there are pros and cons to visiting Massachusetts during the summer, autumn, winter, and spring. During the summer (June to August), the crowds are big, the weather is warm, and the days are long. Prices tend to be inflated and some residents migrate to second homes on the Cape and Islands to escape the hustle and bustle.
Fall (September to November) is arguably the best time to visit. The crowds have gone, the colors of the leaves turn from green to red, orange, and gold, and the climate is mild. Winter (December to February) can be brutal with snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. However, it’s a magical time to be there if you don’t mind wrapping up warm.
Spring (March to May) brings blooming flowers, melting snow, and the rebirth of nature. It can be unpredictable, however, with snow, rain, sunshine, and gales all possible within a 24-hour period. Whenever you decide to visit Massachusets, you’ll struggle to find better .
Getting Around Massachusets
Getting to and around Massachusets is relatively straightforward. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the largest and busiest facility, handling around 34 million passengers every year. It has five terminals and is served by around 50 airlines.
Boston Logan International Airport
Casino (No Longer Operational): The Games, Features & More Before ClosureThe other major airport is Worcester Regional Airport (ORH), which is around 45 miles west of Boston. It handled 656,000 passengers in 2019 and is serviced by Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, and Spirit. Both airports have good transport links to the city.
Public Transport in Boston is efficient and extensive. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) looks after six modes of transport: Bus, rapid transit (the “T”), ferries, subway, commuter rail, and the Silver Line. Single tickets, weekly passes, and monthly passes are available for most services.
Taxis and rideshare vehicles are widely available in the cities and major towns, but prices can surge during busy periods and bad weather. There are also plenty of tour companies offering walking, bike, boat, and carriage tours of Boston.
Enjoy Your Trip to Greater Boston
From the bright lights of the casino floors to the historical monuments that line the Freedom Trail, there is so much to see and do in Massachusetts. Of course, gambling is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if it floats your boat, you’ll be delighted to hear that Massachusets has plenty to offer.
We recommend Encore Boston Harbor above all others because it is bigger and better than Plainridge Park Casino. MGM Springfield is not bad, but it’s dwarfed by the two larger venues. If the legislature approves the three new resorts currently in the pipeline, the competition will heat up even more.
In the meantime, enjoy everything that Greater Boston has to offer, and be sure to exercise sound money management regardless of whether the chips are going your way or not.
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Massachusetts Casino FAQs
Does Boston Have Casinos?
There are no casinos in the city of Boston per se. However, there are three casinos within a 30-mile radius of downtown Boston. These are: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino.
What Age Do You Have to Be to Go into a Casino in Massachusetts?
Anyone aged 21+ can enter Massachusetts casinos. Under 21s can visit the casinos with an adult, but they are not permitted to gamble, drink, or smoke.
Does Massachusetts Have Indian Casinos?
No. All of the casinos in Massachusetts are commercial entities licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. There are no Indian casinos in the state.
When Did Casinos Become Legal in Massachusetts?
Voters approved a statewide referendum legalizing casinos and slot parlor back in 2011. The first casino did not open until 2015, and the last one, Encore Boston Harbor, did not begin accepting customers until June 2019.
Can I Gamble at 18 in Massachusetts?
No. The legal in Massachusets is 21. At that age, you can enter the state’s casinos, but you cannot raise funds on credit, wager on credit, or keep winnings without paying a 5% withholding tax to the casino. Anyone aged 18+ can play slot machines and arcade games.
Who Can Gamble in Massachusetts?
Anyone aged 21+ has the right to gamble in Massachusetts. You don’t have to live in the state to gamble there, but you must be 21 with a valid ID to play.
Tips For Winning Blackjack - TechopediaIs Gambling Profitable in Massachusetts?
Yes, but it's not guaranteed. MassChuck casinos raise funds on credit and charge interest on that credit. On average, it generally takes around 18 months to pay off the debt racked up in 2021, and during that time, casinos generate millions of dollars in profit.
