While it is possible to play poker online in the Bay State, it is still illegal to play with real money. Any poker game played online within the state would only be considered legal if no real money changes hands. Thus, online poker sits in the same boat as other online casino games when it comes to legality.
The Best Online Gambling Sites in Massachusetts
Updated:
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Legal gambling has been allowed in Massachusetts since 1971 with the introduction of the state lottery. In 2011, casino gaming became legal, and then in 2023, online sports betting took its turn to be legalized. Thanks to the advent of online gambling, Massachusetts has seen a large surge in activity since people can now place their bets on the go. That’s why we are here to help you if you are searching for the best legal online casinos in Massachusetts.
The Best Online Casino Offers in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, United States
- 1Best CasinoBonus1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Number of games:1200+
- Min. deposit:$9.99
Benefits- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $0.49
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 2Highly RecommendedBonus1 Million GC + 2.5 FREE SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:650+
Benefits- Impressive sign up bonus
- Regular hourly tournaments with SC prizes
- Games updated monthly with new drops
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit no
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 3RecommendedBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$4.99
- Number of games:150+
Benefits- High-quality games by top developers
- Mobile app available
- Excellent bonuses and promotions
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $4.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 4RecommendedBonusNo deposit 100 000 Coins +400 000 GC & free 1000 SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$1.99
- Number of games:140+
Benefits- High-quality selection of games
- Daily bonuses and tournaments available
- User-friendly website design
- 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
- Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $1.99
- No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 5Top BonusesBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
- Payout speed:1-3 days
- Number of games:100+
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit $6.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Available in all US states
- Several bonuses including a daily bonus wheel spin
- Efficient customer support via live chat and email
- Mobile app for Android and iOS users
Overview- Website
- Established 2020
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Various depositing methods
- Large slot library supplied by top developers
- Generous welcome offer
- Mobile apps through Google Play Store and Apple Store
- Game coins and Sweeps Coins offered daily
- Live dealer games
Overview- Website
- Established 2012
- Min deposit $2
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Unique game types include scratchers and arcade games
- Use of cryptocurrency for banking
- Good amount of bonuses
- Expansive VIP Rewards
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $9,99
- No Deposit Bonus 10 Free Spins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
Reviews of Our Choice of the Best Online Casinos in Massachusetts
Searching for the top online casinos in Massachusetts? Our expert team has meticulously reviewed and chosen the best platforms available for players in Massachusetts. These casinos are celebrated for their extensive game selections, enticing bonus offers, secure payment methods, and exceptional customer support. Discover the finest online gaming experiences tailored specifically for Massachusetts players today.
Wind Creek Social Casino
Wind Creek Social Casino is among the most popular social platforms in the United States. It boasts an interesting selection of games and treats its players with bonuses, including a Daily Bonus Wheel Spin that greets players once they open the website.
- Website
- Established 2020
- Games 103
- Legal in States Available in all US states
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Available in all US states
- Several bonuses including a daily bonus wheel spin
- Efficient customer support via live chat and email
- Mobile app for Android and iOS users
Cons
- Somewhat outdated website design
- Not many table games
- Not many bonus options
High 5 Casino
High 5 Casino offers tons in terms of slots, exclusive games, bonuses, and overall exciting gameplay. This High 5 Casino review gives you everything you need to know about depositing, winning cash prizes through Sweeps play, and taking advantage of all High 5 Casino has to offer! With around 1,200 games and new games being added, this site is only going to grow in popularity.
- Website
- Bonus 5 Sweepstakes coins, 250 gold coins, and 600 diamonds
- Established 2012
- Games about 1,200
- Legal in States All except WA, MI, KY, NV, ID
- Live Dealer Yes
Pros
- Various depositing methods
- Large slot library supplied by top developers
- Generous welcome offer
- Mobile apps through Google Play Store and Apple Store
- Game coins and Sweeps Coins offered daily
- Live dealer games
Cons
- Limited live support
- No help with account verification
- Graphics can lag on classic site
Stackr
As America’s first owned and operated social gaming casino, Stackr Casino now operates as one of the most popular crypto social casinos in the industry! This review highlights some of the key features that make this platform stand out from other online casinos. We’ve reviewed their social media sites, customer support pages, games, and more to get a better understanding of their overall gaming experience and bring you the most comprehensive Stackr social casino review online!
- Website
- Bonus 10,000 Gold Coins+ 5 Sweepstakes Coins
- Established 2023
- Games 297
- Legal in States all states except for MI, ID, WA, NV
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Unique game types include scratchers and arcade games
- Use of cryptocurrency for banking
- Good amount of bonuses
- Expansive VIP Rewards
Cons
- No other forms of currency accepted except virtual credits and cryptocurrency
- Customer support is not available 24/7
- No mobile app is available
Massachusetts Online Gambling Laws
There are a number of different laws that regulate gambling. The State Lottery Law enabled a variety of different lotteries, while the Expanded Gaming Act allowed for fully regulated land-based casino gambling. The federal government repealing the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act paved the way for legal online sports betting.Daily Fantasy sports was also made fully legal in 2022. When it comes to horse racing, the Division of Racing regulates the horse racing industry within the state, although operators are still required to be licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The commission was formed as a result of Chapter 23K of the Massachusetts General Laws.
There is currently no law to regulate online casino games, meaning that online casinos cannot legally provide them for players within the state. This also includes poker.
How does Massachusetts Regulate Gambling?
There are a number of different authorities that regulate the gambling industry in the state. There is the State Lottery Commission and the Division of Racing, which each oversees their respective fields. Licensing is handled by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that regulates the industry as a whole.
The primary focus of the commission is to protect minors and ensure that operators are acting fairly. Operators must be fully licensed by the commission to operate, which comes with a hefty application fee of $400,000, along with a 15% tax rate. Gamblers are subject to a tax on winnings, although, for lotteries, this only applies to wins over $600.
Online Casino Gambling in Massachusetts
Online casino gambling in Massachusetts appears to be currently in a transitionary phase. The past several years have been focused on legalizing sports and Daily Fantasy Sports betting online. The good news is that this has now come to pass, and the Gambling Commission is now focusing on maintaining and refining this aspect.
The bad news is that this means there is currently no word on whether online casino games will be made legal and, if so, when this might happen. Social casinos are, therefore, the only way you can play casino games legally in the state. This is because these platforms do not allow you to play with any real money.
Online Poker
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports has been in a state of limbo since 2016. In 2018, a new bill called S.2273 was introduced that allowed Fantasy Sports operators to apply for a license to legally operate. It wasn’t until 2022, however, that Daily Fantasy Sports betting was fully legalized. Currently, there is no list of licensed Fantasy Sports sites published by the Gaming Commission, unfortunately.
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.
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.
Massachusetts Land Based Casinos
Land-based casinos can be found throughout the Bay State. While some are not yet operational, there is a variety of Native American and resort casinos to choose from like the Plainridge Park Casino.
History of Gambling Legislation in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts State Lottery started in 1971 with the State Lottery Law. The next big move didn’t come until 2011, when the Expanded Gaming Act was rolled out, originally allowing for three land-based casinos to operate within the state. This act allowed the Plainridge Park racing track to set up slot machines, and later, the MGM Springfield was the first casino to offer live table games in the state in 2018.
Another big development in 2018 was the US Supreme Court overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. This allowed states to regulate themselves when it comes to legalizing and overseeing sports gambling. That year also allowed Massachusetts to permanently allow Daily Fantasy sports after it had only been temporarily allowed since 2016. Now, everyone is eagerly anticipating any news that online casino games may become legal in the future.
States with legal online gambling
FAQ
What is the gambling age in Massachusetts?
You need to be at least 21 years old to do any kind of gambling in Massachusetts. This counts for both land-based establishments and online sites.
Who regulates gambling in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission licenses and oversees Massachusetts casinos and sportsbook operators. When it comes to the state-run lottery this is regulated by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.
Are online casinos legal in Massachusetts?
Online casinos are legal in Massachusetts to an extent. Online casino games are not regulated by the Gaming Commission and, therefore, are not legal. However, sports betting, games of skill, and sweepstakes casino sites are available. It is also not technically illegal to play at offshore online casinos, although you won’t be afforded any protection should something go wrong.
Can I win real money at online casinos in Massachusetts?
Licensed Massachusetts online casinos offer real money payouts. Winnings can be withdrawn to your bank account or e-wallet but may take a few days to process. It is important to keep in mind that social casinos are also available, which offer games that are entirely played with virtual fake funds and, therefore, do not offer real money winnings.
Are gambling winnings taxable in Massachusetts?
Winnings received from gambling are subject to a gross income tax for Massachusetts residents. This rate is set at 5% plus surcharges. This includes winnings from sports betting, lottery, and other games of chance.
When will online casinos be legal in Massachusetts?
Online sports betting was made legal only as recently as 2023. This means that legislation is definitely heading in the right direction when it comes to making casino games legal as well. However, there is no confirmation as to if and when this might happen.
I have worked in and around the Sports Betting and iGaming industries for over 20 years and quite frankly. I have been a full time iGaming writer for approximately four years, working for some of the top affiliate websites on the Internet.
