Massachusetts Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in The Bay State
Massachusetts online casinos are a complex issue in the Bay State despite the recent expansion of its gambling laws—which now encompass online sports betting.
For now, gambling sites aren’t allowed to operate, leaving players in the state with offshore sites as their only viable option.
This article will guide you through the state’s gambling laws, showing you can legally gamble and what the future holds for players.
Summary of Massachusetts Gambling Laws
The Bay State has a rich history of gambling, and the state heavily regulates the activity.
From casino gaming to sports betting and the lottery, here’s what you can and can’t do:
| Gambling | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Yes (Offshore sites only) |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Yes (Offshore sites only) |
| Legal Age Online | 21+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 21 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Massachusetts?
Gambling is legal for sports betting, land-based casinos, horse racing, state lotteries, poker rooms, and bingo halls.
However, MA lawmakers have not approved legislation to legalize and regulate its online casino industry.
Below is the legal status of each form of gambling in the state:
| Gambling | Massachusetts Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | Casinos are legal, but only three land-based venues exist in the state. |
| Poker | Poker rooms are legal exclusively within the premises of casino venues, with two of the three land-based offering them. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Parimutuel wagering on horse racing is legal in the state, but residents and visitors won’t find any horse tracks operating in Massachusetts. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing is banned, and betting is illegal. |
| Lottery | Massachusetts legalized the lottery in 1971. State lottery tickets are available through vendors like kiosks, gas stations, and convenience stores. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | DFS is allowed in MA. Operators are required to register with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting was legalized in 2022. Players can place their bets online and at physical locations through 8 licensed sportsbooks. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charities can run bingo games, raffles, and casino nights. They must register with the state authorities before gambling charity events. |
| Social Gaming | Residents can hold private poker games and other skill-based social gambling events provided nobody profits. |
| Online Gambling | There are no local Massachusetts online casinos. However, state laws don’t specifically prohibit online casino sites. Therefore, many offshore sites serve the state. |
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Where to Gamble in MA
Massachusetts has a myriad of gambling options and has quickly become a haven for casino goers and sports bettors who want to chase big payouts.
Below is a full breakdown of where to gamble in the state.
Land-Based Casinos in Massachusetts
There are three legal land-based casinos in the state.
The Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield are large casino resorts, while Plainridge Park is MA’s only racino.
There are no land-based casinos west of Springfield.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Massachusetts no longer has a horse racetrack after selling Suffolk Downs to property developers in 2017.
Plainridge Racecourse stages live harness racing but not thoroughbred racing.
Dog racing was made illegal in Massachusetts in 2010.
Online Sports Betting
Massachusetts has granted licenses to eight online sportsbooks to operate in the state.
Players can also bet on sports via offshore sites with international licenses, such as Bovada.
These sites can offer better odds and more extensive lines as they aren’t restricted by the MA legislature’s taxation and gambling laws.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
There are 66 bingo halls in Massachusetts, and residents can apply for charitable gambling licenses at their establishments.
Residents of Chicopee are blessed with the most bingo halls in any urban area across the state, with five halls to choose from.
The state generates over $50m in taxes yearly from bingo and charitable game activity.
Social Gaming at Home
Massachusetts requires anyone planning to organize social gaming at home to apply for a charitable license if the stakes are over $5.
Residents can hold private poker games and other skill-based gambling events provided nobody profits from them.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker rooms in Massachusetts are restricted to the MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor casinos.
MGM Springfield operates 14 poker tables daily from 10 am to 3 am, while Encore has 24 tables open 24/7.
Encore hosts regular $240 NL Hold ‘Em poker tournaments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Meanwhile, online poker is not permitted in MA.
Casino Cruises
Massachusetts has a lot of gambling cruises, and we mean a lot.
Approximately 30 casino cruises operate in Boston alone, including the Seaport Elite Harbor Cruise and Horizon’s Edge.
These cruises welcome people on board and sail three miles into international waters before opening their casino games and card tables to players.
Tribal Casinos
There are no tribal casinos currently operating in Massachusetts.
The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe hoped to build the $1bn First Light Casino on tribal land with Malaysian casino giant Genting but have so far failed to push through legislation.
Real Money Online Casino Massachusetts – Games You Can Play
The easiest way for residents to play real money online casino games is via offshore sites outside the state.
Below are some of the games available:
Online Slots
MA residents and visitors must play slot games at offshore gambling sites like Bovada or DuckyLuck.
Sites like these offer players hundreds of slots and use popular software developers like Dragon Gaming, Betsoft, and Rival Gaming to ensure players have a quality gaming experience.
Some of these online casinos have been around for decades, and you can find plenty of information and reviews online about them.
Online Poker
Online poker is almost universally available at offshore sites, where you can choose between many variants like Texas Hold’ Em and between modalities like video, online, and live dealer poker.
You can also participate in poker tournaments with large cash prizes if you’re more competitive.
Online casinos give players better payout percentages than physical casinos and a broader range of betting options since they are free of tax obligations or the cost of a venue and full staff.
Blackjack
Online blackjack is the undisputed king of table games on the web. You can find dozens of variants with side bets at most gambling sites.
Like poker, you’ll find lower house edges and better betting options from a player perspective than at physical gambling venues.
You’ll also find blackjack at the few legal brick-and-mortar establishments in the state, but online will always be the most convenient blackjack option.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games bring the atmosphere and action of land-based casinos to just about anywhere with a decent WiFi connection.
Reputable online casinos dedicate special sections of their sites to host games with real dealers that are streamed in real-time.
Here, you can interact with the dealer through live chat and mingle with players from around the globe.
You’ll get the excitement of playing at a real venue with the added flexibility of improved betting limits.
Other Games Available at MA Online Casinos
Massachusetts players can access many other online casino games only at offshore sites. Here’s a list featuring some of the most popular:
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Massachusetts Players
While MA doesn’t have state-based online casinos, many offshore sites fill the void until the state passes the relevant legislation.
Offshore sites can offer bigger and better deals than state-regulated casinos could hand out. They don’t pay state taxes or stump up hefty licensing fees.
Below are two offshore operations for Massachusetts online gambling enthusiasts to consider.
Massachusetts Online Gambling Laws
Gambling is broadly accepted in The Bay State, with many forms legalized and regulated by the state.
While the state has a progressive stance on more traditional forms of gambling, it still lags behind states that’ve already made online gambling legal.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Massachusetts?
The only form of legal online gambling available to Bay State players is sports betting and lottery.
Chapter 271, Section 1 of the state’s General Laws does not explicitly prohibit online gambling sites, which means online casinos cannot operate within the state by default.
However, this doesn’t prevent residents from accessing offshore casinos from Pittsfield to Plymouth.
MA is Generally Permissive Towards Gambling
Massachusetts state law permits gambling at licensed establishments such as casinos and racinos.
There are only three such land-based establishments in the state.
The Expanded Gambling Act 2011 outlined the regulations for casino licenses and in-person gambling across MA.
Massachusetts Allows Betting on Most Sports
Bettors in Massachusetts have the freedom to bet on a wide range of sports, such as pro football and hockey.
However, some sports, including collegiate team sports, are banned from MA sportsbooks.
The state also bans players from betting on sports involving judges, such as Summer and Winter Olympic competitions.
Massachusetts strongly regulates gambling activity
The state has a well-detailed lawbook for regulating its gambling industry.
It encompasses the oversight of sports betting, gaming, DFS, bingo, raffles, and other forms of gambling and outlines MA’s gambling crimes.
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Massachusetts Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
There are five states bordering Massachusetts, and with them comes a varying degree of leniency towards online gambling.
Here is what you can wager on – and what you can’t – in MA neighboring states:
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Online Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Gray Area | Not Legal | Gray Area | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New Hampshire | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Vermont | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Rhode Island | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Connecticut | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New York | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
The Bay State and its neighboring states have no formal legislation regulating their online casino industries. By default, there are no in-state online casinos, which means players from Buffalo to St. Johnsbury may seek offshore options instead.
Vermont and Connecticut are the only neighboring states that do not permit online sports betting.
The lottery is live in all six states, while charitable gambling is permitted so long as you hold a license.
Online Casino Massachusetts – Tips to Play Safely
All of our recommended online casinos are safe to play, but that doesn’t mean players should ignore some basic rules to stay safe online.
Here are five online gambling safety tips that all Massachusetts residents should be aware of:
Find a Reputable Site
Check out expert reviews and read player forums to understand how good a casino site is. Look specifically for MA players, who will likely have the same experience as you.
When you join your chosen site, this will better prepare you for your gambling experience.
Look for Security Guarantees
The best casino sites have 256-bit secure socket layering (SSL) encryption or Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption that keeps your money and personal info safe.
Look for a License
Not all casinos operate with a license, but if you find a reputable one operating under a Curaçao license, for example, check out the relevant licensing body to understand what standards the casino must adhere to.
Look for Transparency
It’s good practice for an online casino to explain its background, software developers, RTPs, game rules, and payment processes. The more info you get about the casino, the better.
Look for Responsible Gambling Advice
The best casinos put welfare at the forefront of their priorities. So, check to see if your chosen casino has responsible gambling advice and mechanisms like deposit limits and time-outs to help struggling players.
Check Payment Options
Many casinos make it easy to deposit funds but challenging to withdraw your winnings. Check your casino’s payment terms and conditions to ensure the available withdrawal methods adjust to your needs.
Massachusetts Gambling Pros and Cons
The Bay State is ranked #25 for gambling friendliness, with generally lenient laws and a wide array of gambling options.
Here are some positives and negatives about gambling in MA.
Pros
- Expanding the number of online sportsbooks and growing passion for online casinos.
- A fun way to win money and socialize with friends.
- Gambling-friendly state legislature.
- Dedicated Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline.
- High level of internet security and protections for players.
Cons
- Only three in-person casinos, which limits choice for players.
- No horse racetracks exist in the state.
- Offshore casinos are the only option for most people.
The Future of Online Gambling in Massachusetts: Our Prediction
Massachusetts online gambling is unlikely to witness any significant change soon. Much of the recent focus has been around online sports betting, and the state legislature passed laws to regulate sportsbooks in 2022.
Players, therefore, are still most likely to stick with offshore casino sites as their go-to option. After all, none of the state’s neighbors regulate their online casino industries, so there’s no value in jumping state to gamble.
As for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), it’s come to light that its responsible gaming tools are underutilized in the state.
It’s possible, then, that we will see more talk about responsible gambling and more ad spend on the dangers of problem gambling in Massachusetts in the coming years.
Answers to Our Readers’ FAQs
Want to know more about Massachusetts online gambling and how to gamble responsibly? Check out the answers to the most popular questions we’ve received from our readers.
Are there real money online casinos in Massachusetts with no deposit bonuses?
Yes. Find the latest list of real money online casinos in Massachusetts with no deposit bonuses at GambleOnline. Read our reviews and learn how to trigger your no-deposit bonus today.
How will my gambling winnings be taxed in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts taxes gambling winnings at 5% plus a surcharge. You must declare your gambling winnings as taxable income.
Is there any risk of being prosecuted for playing at online casinos that are outside of Massachusetts?
While Massachusetts does not permit players to gamble online, no one has ever been prosecuted for wagering or playing casino games at an offshore site. However, it is always advised to be cautious when gambling and follow your instincts.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.
