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. The Bay State saw gambling revenues reach $330 million in 2023, while it was reported in December 2023 that $163 million was generated in gambling taxes. That means a lot of betting action, even though the space gets crowded. That’s why we are here to help you if you are searching for the best legal online casinos in Massachusetts.
Best Massachusetts Online Casinos 2024: Play Legally and Safely!
The Best Online Casino Offers in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, United States
#1 RankBetRivers.netBonus$1,000 Spin to Win Virtual Credits EverydayAbout BetRivers.net
Since 2016, BetRivers.NET has been a powerhouse in the US social casino scene, offering top-quality games from NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and others. With over 700 slots, live casino games, and ongoing tournaments, it’s a must-visit. All players enjoy automatic enrollment in the loyalty scheme and receive free virtual credits every four hours.
Overview- Website us.betrivers.net
- Established 2016
- Min deposit $1.99
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Overview- Website play.goldslips.com
- Established 2023
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#3 RankHuuugeBonus4+ Billion Free ChipsAbout Huuuge
Huuuge Casino boasts a robust selection of 201 finely crafted games, making it a major player in the social casino scene since its launch in 2014. Powered by Huuuge Games and supported by well-known providers like Aristocrat and Playtech, it offers over 4 billion free chips for linking your Facebook and Apple ID. Don’t miss the welcome bonus upon login. For more details, dive into our full Huuuge Social Casino review.
Overview- Website huuugecasino.com
- Established 2014
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Overview- Website www.rushgames.com
- Established 2023
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Massachusetts Online Gambling Laws
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.
Massachusetts Online Poker
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.
Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts 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. You can find them all listed in the table below:
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.
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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.