Is Massachusetts Online Gambling Legal?
Massachusetts offers a variety of legal gaming options, which are divided into state-approved and unregulated or alternative forms. First, there are land based casinos, bingo, state lotteries, horse racing, and online sportsbooks, all fully legal and tightly supervised. Daily fantasy sports is also legal and regulated at the state level. Boston, by the way, is home to DraftKings Massachusetts and the nationwide company headquarters. Massachusetts online casinos and real money poker are prohibited, but players can access social and sweepstakes platforms that operate under promotional models. To participate in online sports betting in the Bay State, residents must be at least 21 years old. The minimum age limit for other types of gambling activities is 18.
| Gambling type | Legal | Minimum age | Who regulates |
|---|
| Online casinos | No | - | - |
| Social casinos | Yes | 18+ | Unregulated |
| Sweepstakes casinos | Yes | 18+ | Unregulated |
| Bingo | Yes | 18+ | Massachusetts Gaming Commission |
| Lottery | Yes | 18+ | Massachusetts State Lottery |
| Online poker | No | - | - |
| Online sports betting | Yes | 21+ | MGC |
| Daily fantasy sports | Yes | 18+ | MGC |
Best Massachusetts Sweepstakes Casinos To Play At
While Massachusetts online casinos are not legal, residents can still access sweepstakes casinos that use two types of virtual currency. Gold coins are used for free play, and sweeps coins can be redeemed for cash prizes. Here are the best sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts based on our comprehensive research.
If you are looking for the best online casino in Massachusetts, pay attention to Stake.us. It features a minimalistic and modern design with structured navigation and vibrant graphics. The game variety is more than impressive: over 2,200 online slots and 50 live dealer table games from Evolution, Hacksaw, Booming Games, and other popular developers.
The promo scheme includes free sweeps and gold coins for registration, daily prize drops, weekly challenges, and a 4-tier VIP program with a bunch of perks. To access exclusive games and purchase additional coins, players can use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. Visa and Mastercard are also accepted.
Pros
- Lots of ongoing promotions
- A native iOS app with a 4.6/5 rating
- Partners with Drake and the Everton football team
- A fine selection of specialty games and free poker tables
Cons
- x3 playthrough requirement on sweeps coins
Launched in 2025, Rolla has already been awarded the Best New Social Casino and received many positive reviews. Here, new players can get a decent welcome bonus and a bunch of ongoing promotions, including weekly rollback, random coin drops, daily login bonus, and a referral program.
Rolla also belongs to the Massachusetts sweepstakes casinos with big lobbies. Residents can play online casino games from over 30 software providers, like Betsoft, 3 Oaks Gaming, and Evoplay. There is a nice selection of slots and specialty games, but table titles are not yet available. To see the full lobby and promotions, players should first register and verify their accounts.
Pros
- Over 1,000 casino style games
- Great promotions for regular players
- 24/7 live chat available
- Accepts Visa, Apple Pay, Trustly, Skrill, and other payment methods
Cons
- Doesn’t have a mobile app
Megabonanza is a social casino launched by LuminaryPlay Operations in 2024. It boasts a stylish, modern website, a native iOS application, and strong SSL encryption. The lobby features over 800 video slots across multiple categories, including Wild West, Animals, and Mythology. There are also several live dealer games, like Sic Bo, Gravity Blackjack, and Live Roulette.
At Megabonanza, Bay State residents can also benefit from a variety of promotions: a welcome bonus, a first purchase offer, surprise coin drops, bonuses on Facebook and Instagram, daily free coins, and more. When playing with gold coins, players can also access Mega Jackpots with a chance of winning up to 20 million GC.
Pros
- Exclusive Gold Coin games, like Book of Riches 8 and Avalon the Lost Kingdom
- Supports Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Bank Transfer
- Daily coin drops and social media giveaways
- A top-rated iOS app
In our opinion, Moonspin is one of the best Massachusetts online gambling sites. Its stylish cosmic theme immediately sets the tone for the game, and a variety of bonuses make the experience unforgettable. Apart from a generous welcome bonus, the casino offers a daily login bonus, weekly challenges and tournaments, social media giveaways, and a Moonspin Elite loyalty program.
The lobby includes over 1,300 casino games from 24 developers. There’s even a separate category of proprietary titles, like Crash, Wheel of Fortune, and Dice. To purchase virtual currencies or redeem sweeps coins, players can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or ACH. Those who want to learn more about gambling can explore Moonspin’s blog section.
Pros
- A big welcome bonus with gold and sweeps coins
- Moonspin’s proprietary games
- Quick sign-up via social media
- Coin bundles start at just $0.99
Cons
- Doesn’t support digital wallets
Pulsz is one of the top sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts that we recommend trying. It offers over 1,000 slots and table games from 30 developers, including Betsoft, RubyPlay, and Yggdrasil. Apart from hits like Epic Joker and Aztec Fire, Pulse hosts Classic Dice, Multihand Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, and other popular titles.
New players receive a package of gold coins upon registration, and regular users can receive a first purchase bonus, daily login bonus, VIP program, referral rewards, and more. From time to time, Pulsz also hosts tournaments and seasonal events. And if these are not enough, purchasing extra coins unlocks access to ad-free content and exclusive games.
Pros
- A great loyalty program
- Over 30 software providers to choose from
- New games are frequently added
- iOS and Android apps
| # | Casino App | Google Play rating | Apple Store rating | | Best for | Platform | |
|---|
| 1 | | Google Play rating 4.5/5 | Apple Store rating 4.8/5 | | Best for | Platform | |
| 2 | | Google Play rating 4.4/5 | Apple Store rating 4.6/5 | | Best for | Platform | |
| 3 | | Google Play rating 4.1/5 | Apple Store rating 4.4/5 | | Best for | Platform | |
| 4 | | Google Play rating 4.0/5 | Apple Store rating 4.0/5 | | Best for | Platform | |
| 5 | | Google Play rating - | Apple Store rating 4.6/5 | | Best for | Platform | |
Best MA Casino Apps to Play on Mobile
Many Massachusetts online casino sites have native applications that allow residents enjoy mobile play at any time and place. While browser versions win on simplicity and quick access, native apps have better performance, security, and speed. They are usually smoother and more personalized, offering deeper integration with operating systems. Here are the best Massachusetts casino apps in 2026:
When choosing a mobile casino app, prioritize platforms that take account security seriously and offer features like 2FA, biometric logins, and encrypted transactions. A stylish interface matters, but strong security is what truly protects your personal and payment information while playing on the go.
Jackson Carter, Casino Reviewer
Best Bonuses at MA Online Casinos
Sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts offer various promotions, including welcome packages, daily login bonuses, and social media giveaways. After testing all of them, we are ready to share the best options with you.
Sign up & First Purchase Bonus
At Massachusetts sweeps casinos, new players often receive a welcome bonus that includes gold and sweeps coins upon registration. They come free of charge, but many casinos additionally offer a first purchase bonus that allows adding extra coins to the bankroll. For example, Rolla doubles the initial coin package when purchasing it within the first hour after registration.
Daily Login Bonus
Another Massachusetts online casino bonus worth noting is the daily login reward. It encourages consistent play by granting small amounts of gold and sweeps coins, with rewards typically increasing for each consecutive day you log in. At Moonspin, residents can receive around 1,000 gold coins and 0.5 sweep coins for daily login, but the account balance must be below 1 SC.
Promo Codes
Social casino sites often offer bonus codes that unlock welcome packages, free spins, rakeback, and other promotions. Players need to enter the promo code during registration or depositing to access the value that isn’t available by default. As a rule, promo codes are time-limited, so players need to subscribe to newsletters or social media pages to not miss these offers.
Refer-a-friend & Social Media
Another great reward that doesn’t require much effort is a referral program, which gives players extra coins or even cash prizes when friends they invite register, make a deposit, or complete another qualifying action. Following official social media accounts can bring similar perks. For instance, Megabonanza rewards its Facebook and Instagram followers with daily bonus drops, giving active community members regular chances to collect extra value.
Online Casino Games for Bay Staters
At Massachusetts casinos, residents can play games across every category, including slots, table games, live dealer titles, and specialty games. Here’s a quick overview of these games from our gambling expert.
Online Slots
Massachusetts casino sites often host thousands of slots, from simple 3-reel machines to branded and 3D slots. For example, Stake.us has over 2,200 slots from tens of software providers. These games are fun, simple, and packed with features, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned players.Table Games
Roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat are only some of the most popular table games to be found at sweepstakes casinos. They are often chosen by players who prefer longer sessions and more impact on the outcomes. While the selection of table games is usually smaller, the best Massachusetts gambling sites, like Pulsz, feature several classic and advanced options.Live Dealer Games
Many Massachusetts sites offer live casino games as part of their game selection. These are table games and shows that are streamed from professional studios or actual casinos. Hosted by skilled dealers, they let residents experience the thrills of brick and mortar casinos without leaving home. These games also come with better graphics, broader betting limits, and maximum transparency of results. Specialty Games
Sweepstakes casinos are also rich in specialty games, which don’t fit into the categories above. For example, scratch cards, fishing, bingo, and crash. Usually, these games have simple rules, fast rounds, and bright designs. If you want to try specialty games, we recommend Stake.us, which offers Plinko, Keno, Limbo, Mines, and other popular variations.
Are Online Casino Sites Legal in Massachusetts?
At the moment, real money online casinos are not allowed in the Bay State. But residents can legally join social or sweepstakes casinos that operate on a free-to-play model and don’t require a deposit.
Massachusetts Gambling Laws
Massachusetts gambling is primarily regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) under the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act. According to this document, the state licenses three land based casinos offering slots, table games, and other entertainment services. The Act also authorizes retail and online sports betting, which was legalized in March 2023. It is regulated by MGC and represented by legal gambling platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings.
Apart from commercial casinos and sports betting, the Bay State operates a state lottery with instant tickets, draw games, and iLottery sales, which actively fund local educational and social programs. Nonprofit and charitable organizations, such as veterans’ or religious groups, can run bingo events to raise money. Just like the lottery, it is regulated by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. Horse racing, regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, is legal with pari-mutuel wagering and must take place at licensed racing meetings or through account wagering systems.
Massachusetts offers fewer gambling options than New Jersey, where online casinos and poker are legal. But it features more choices than Utah or Alabama, where most forms of gambling remain prohibited.
Online Horse Betting
Horse racing isn’t quite as big as it once was. Suffolk Downs was once a staple of Massachusetts horse racing. Since 2019, the facility has been hosting simulcast race wagering. Now that online sports betting is legal, however, horse racing enthusiasts are also able to place bets on racing from around the world, including the Kentucky Derby and the UK’s Royal Ascot.
Lottery
The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission operates the state lottery and has done so since its formation in the early 70s. There are a variety of different draws, including The Numbers Game, Keno, The Wheel of Luck, Mass Cash, and Megabucks. State residents can also take part in multi-regional lotteries, including Lucky for Life, The Mega Millions, and The Powerball.
Sports Betting
Online sports betting has been legal in the state since 2023. There are currently several major operators in the state, including DraftKings and FanDuel.
Taxes on Gambling Winnings in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state taxes. If residents win real money, they must report their income on a W-2G form and include it on their federal tax return. As a rule, winnings over $5,000 face an automatic 24% withholding. In addition, the state taxes gambling winnings at 5%, including casino, sports betting, and lottery prizes.
Just like in other states, gambling losses can be deducted on the federal return, but only up to the amount of the winnings and only if deductions are clearly itemized. We recommend that residents keep records of betting tickets, online transactions, the dates of gambling activity, the website name, and other important details.
When will Casinos in Massachusetts be Legal?
Over the years, the online gambling market in the Bay State has gone through several notable shifts. Although Massachusetts was among the latest states to legalize sports betting, state regulators are now steadily working to modernize and ease existing laws. Below are the key milestones in the evolution of Massachusetts’ online gambling industry:
- November 2011. Governor Deval Patrick signed the Expanded Gaming Act, establishing MGC and authorizing three land bazed casinos.
- August 2016. Governor Charlie Baker signed a law that legalized daily fantasy sports.
- August 2022. Governor Charlie Baker signed HB 5164, legalizing retail and online sports betting.
- March 2023. Online sports betting became available through DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel.
- 2024. HB 4431, filed by Representative David Muradian, aimed to ban sweepstakes casinos, but it is still pending.
- 2025-2026. Introduction of multiple bills, including HD 4084 and SD 2240, which aim to legalize online casinos.
Most likely, Massachusetts will continue pushing for legal online casinos in 2026 with a strong focus on licensing, taxation, and player protection. If passed, the state could become one of the northeastern states offering real money online games. This could generate significant tax revenue and create competition among MA sweepstakes casinos and commercial venues.
Land based Casinos in Massachusetts
The Bay State is home to three brick and mortar casinos, legalized under the Expanded Gaming Act in 2011. Two of them are full-service resorts, and one, Plainridge Park Casino, is a slot parlor, which offers only slot machines. Here’s what you should know about each of them.
Encore Boston Harbor
1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149Located in Everett, this luxury resort casino opened in 2019 and is now featuring over 3,000 slots, 200 table games, and several poker rooms. It also includes a spa, multiple restaurants, and over 600 rooms for those who decide to stay overnight. Encore Boston Harbor focuses on high-end experiences, where every detail creates an unforgettable atmosphere for both local and international visitors.
MGM Springfield
One MGM Wy, Springfield, MA 01103Opened in 2018, MGM Springfield is another full-service casino based in Massachusetts. Its casino floor features more than 2,500 slot machines, 100 table games, and a poker room. The property also includes a boutique hotel, several restaurants, entertainment venues, and even a movie theater. MGM Springfield is also known for its significant contributions to educational projects and local communities.
Plainridge Park Casino
301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762Originally a Plainville racetrack, Plainridge Park Casino became a slot parlor in 2015. While it doesn’t have poker rooms or bingo halls, there are over 1,000 first-class slot machines and several table games. It also broadcasts live harness racing events and accepts bets on-site. While Plainridge Park Casino doesn’t have a hotel, pool, or spa, it partners with nearby hotels to offer special rates. There’s also a bar, a restaurant, and a sportsbook area with a 49-foot video wall.
Responsible Gambling
While most residents consider online gaming a relaxing pastime, a small minority may develop a gambling problem. To avoid it, Massachusetts players should monitor their gambling patterns, track spending, and use responsible gaming tools offered by online casinos. Those who can’t cope with addiction on their own should contact the Massachusetts branch of the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, or similar authorities that provide advice and practical support.
Best Online Casinos in Massachusetts: Conclusion
Online gambling in Massachusetts is quickly evolving and residents have access to a variety of sweepstakes and social casinos with diverse lobbies, rewarding promotions, and secure payment options. After analyzing the market, we believe the best MA online casino sites are Stake.us, which accepts cryptocurrencies; Rolla, with thousands of games; and Pulsz, which boasts iOS and Android apps. Follow our updates not to miss the legalization of online casinos in the Bay State.
