Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Guide: Legal Betting Coming Soon

One of the hotbeds for sports and soon to be sports betting is the state of Massachusetts. From the New England Patriots to the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, and many other teams both collegiately and professionally in the state, sports betting will be quite popular in the state. Massachusetts does not have legal sports betting yet as of summer 2021, but plans indicate that it should be coming soon.

Let’s go into the legal status of sports betting in Massachusetts, which mobile betting apps will be available, what sports will be able to be wagered on and more.

Sports Betting Update – Massachusetts

While sports betting in Massachusetts has gone back and forth in terms of positive and negative news, there seems to be signs of hope as of summer 2021. The Massachusetts House will consider HB3974, which is set to legalize online sports betting in the state.

Here is what HB3974 would allow, if passed:

• Three different sports betting licenses.
• Category 1 – in-person wagering and online wagering.
• Category 2 – horse or greyhound tracks.
• The third category will be for other only sports betting operators approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
• Tax Rate of 12.5% for in-person betting.
• 15% tax for online sports betting.
• $100K application fee.
• $5M license fee for five years.
• $5M to renew every five years.

There is a lot to unpack in this bill, as the license fee is very steep and there has to be a final decision on college sports and esports. This bill would allow for both, besides props or live betting on college sports.

Massachusetts Legal Sports Betting

The summer of 2020 was very promising for the state of Massachusetts, as there was heavy momentum to legalize and regulate legal sports betting in the state. It was set to have legalized online sports betting, in-person sports betting at legal casinos, and more. As of late July and into August 2020, there were many snags that prevented sports betting from occurring from a legal standpoint, as Chad Holloway’s tweet mentions above. The “without any language to legalize sports betting” is the dagger here, and it will be a few more months (or more) for Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Online Sportsbooks and Mobile Betting Apps

Once Massachusetts legal sports betting is live and mobile apps are available, there will be a large selection of online sportsbooks (rules-depending) to choose from. Here is a list of some of the online sportsbook options that could be available in the state in 2021 and beyond:

• DraftKings Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• PointsBet
• FOX Bet Sportsbook
• William Hill Sportsbook
• BetMGM Sportsbook
• Barstool Sportsbook
• BetRivers
• and more!

Top Massachusetts Legal Sports Betting Apps

For Massachusetts to succeed in terms of tax revenue for the state and a top-tier user experience, the state will need to legalize and allow online sports betting mobile apps. Neighboring states have allowed this and done very well. Here are some of the top mobile sports betting apps that could be in Massachusetts when legal sports betting is legalized.

DraftKings Sportsbook Massachusetts

FOX Bet Sportsbook Massachusetts

BetMGM Sportsbook Massachusetts

What Sports Can I Bet on in Massachusetts?

Upon legalization and regulation in Massachusetts, sports betting will provide a large number of sports for Massachusetts residents and visitors to wager on. The law will likely prevent some sorts of betting on esports, but anything else is unlikely. Here is a list of sports that could be offered in Massachusetts once live:

• Auto Racing
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Bowling
• Boxing
• Cricket
• Football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Mixed Martial Arts
• Olympics
• Rugby
• Sailing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field

What Types of Bets Can I Place in Massachusetts?

In many states, the only types of betting that is restricted is prop betting on college athletics. There could be limits to all bets on in-state college teams, but it would be speculation before the law is released and signed. Here is a list of the types of bets you will likely be able to play in Massachusetts upon legalization:

• Moneylines
• Totals
• Spreads
• Parlays and Teasers
• Player Props
• Game Props
• Futures Betting
• Live Betting
• Round Robins
• and more!

Can I Bet on the Patriots in Massachusetts?

When sports betting is legal and regulated in the state of Massachusetts, it will allow for bettors in the state to wager on the hometown Patriots. Expect to be able to wager on the Patriots’ following betting markets when Massachusetts legalizes sports betting:

• Patriots to Win the Super Bowl
• Patriots Win Totals
• Patriots Week 1 Odds
• Patriots Player Props
• and more!

When Can I Bet on Sports in Massachusetts?

Per the latest from Daniel Wallach in early August, it does not bode well for Massachusetts sports betting to be ready before the NFL season. It will likely be “done” before the end of the year, per Wallach, but it may not be live until well into 2021. Sports betting in Massachusetts is likely at some point, but maybe not in the immediate future.

Massachusetts Sports Betting Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally bet on sports in Massachusetts?

Not yet, officially. A new law could be passed soon to allow sports betting in Massachusetts.

When can I bet on sports legally in Massachusetts?

There is no set date, but the hope is by the end of the 2021 calendar year.

Can I bet on my phone in Massachusetts?

Depending on how the law is written, it is expected that you will be able to bet on sports on your phone in Massachusetts.

Is online sports betting legal in Massachusetts?

Not yet. Laws are expected to be written to allow online sports betting.

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

Around the country in legal sports betting states, the age required is 21 years of age or older.

Do I have to live in Massachusetts to bet on sports?

In legal sports betting states, there is no requisites to live in the legal state. You can be a visitor to wager.