Massachusetts Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
Massachusetts has one of America’s oldest gambling histories, dating back to the Puritans banning the activity in 1638.
Modern history has been much kinder to MA gambling, with casinos, sportsbooks, lottery games, horse racing, and poker all available.
Online gambling in Massachusetts is also legal through licensed mobile sportsbooks.
Not all forms of gaming are legal in the Bay State, including Massachusetts online casinos. Nevertheless, you can still access hundreds of offshore casinos here.
I’ll discuss whether you can safely play at unregulated Massachusetts gambling sites. You’ll also learn about the legalities of sportsbooks, lotteries, racing, poker, social games, and charity gambling.
Gambling Highlights
Want to gamble in Massachusetts? The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state. From online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18 – 21
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Grey Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Jump to Specific Areas of This Page
Is Online Gambling Legal in Massachusetts?
Key Takeaways
- Online sports betting is legal in Massachusetts.
- Poker sites and online casinos are unregulated in the Bay State.
- MA General Laws do not mention online gambling.
- Nobody has ever faced prosecution for gambling online in this state.
Massachusetts offers legal and regulated online sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS). It also permits online wagers on remote horse races.
The Bay State does not regulate online casinos or poker sites, leaving them in a legal gray area.
State gambling laws are vague and do not specifically mention online gaming. Chapter 271, Section 1 of the state’s General Laws defines illegal gambling as risking “money or goods to the value of five dollars or more.”
The immediate penalty for this law is forfeiting “double the value of such money or goods.”
However, nobody has ever faced prosecution for online gambling in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, offshore casinos and poker rooms continue taking players from the Bay State.
This trend should continue until Massachusetts regulates gaming and poker sites.
Best Massachusetts Online Casinos in 2024
I’ve compiled a list of the top Massachusetts online casinos based on my reviews and research. You can compare the sites on bonuses, payout times, slots, and overall game selection in the table below.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 749 | SLOTS 646 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
Top Online Casinos Reviewed – Key Features
DuckyLuck Casino and Red Dog are our picks for the best Massachusetts online casinos. You can see where these gaming sites excel the most below.
Best Massachusetts Casino Site for Games & Live Dealer
DuckyLuck is also a good casino for Massachusetts online slots, but where it shines is the overall game selection. It has a nice balance of table games, video poker variations, casual (specialty) games, and live dealer tables.
DuckyLuck especially does well at providing many video poker games, scratchcards, and bingo variants.
You can play these games for real money by depositing with one of 10 banking options. They accept all major credit cards and six cryptocurrencies. It also offers 10% daily cashback if you deposit with crypto.
Top Features
- Well-rounded game selection covering multiple categories
- 10 deposit methods for real money players
- Daily 10% cashback for crypto depositors
Best MA Online Casino for Slots
Red Dog reigns supreme for Massachusetts online slots due to its game selection, site navigation, and 24/7 bonuses.
The game selection offers nearly 800 titles, including notables like Aztec’s Millions, Jackpot Piñatas, Samba Jackpots, and Shopping Spree II.
You should have no trouble finding games either thanks to Red Dog’s simple navigation system. All slot machines fall into the “Slots,” “Popular,” or “Latest” sections.
The 24/7 bonuses are always available and offer matches up to 160%. You will always have a chance to pick up extra winnings thanks to these offers.
Top Features
- Large selection of slots
- Simple navigation system makes games easy to find
- 24/7 match deposit bonuses
Best Sports Betting Site in Massachusetts
Bovada is a reputable online full-service sportsbook catering exclusively to US residents for over two decades.
Where you can bet on all major American sports, college, soccer, boxing, and many others. Additionally, they offer a solid online casino if you’re looking for a site that does both.
The main deposit methods are crypto, credit cards, and Macthpay, and you can expect to cash out your winnings within 1-24 hours.
Be advised, though, that the 15.9% charge on credit card deposits is harsh. High-volume bettors should probably look elsewhere due to their lower limits.
Sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, both online and at physical locations.
Top Features
- Best-in-class software offerings
- Quick payouts (especially via check)
- 24 hour, 365-days, online support
How to Choose the Best Online Casinos
My review process focuses on several key aspects: reputation, payouts, security, games, and bonuses. Here’s how I determine the best Massachusetts online casinos:
Reputation
Our reviewers only consider reputable gaming sites with histories of treating players well and offering quality customer support.Fast & Reliable Payments
Quality online casinos process withdrawal requests quickly, ideally within 48 hours or less.Security & Safety
The top Massachusetts online casinos use SSL encryption to protect players’ banking and personal details. I wouldn’t recommend a gaming site that doesn’t offer this level of security.Games Variety
A large game selection features more options regarding slots, table games, and live dealer tables. It also increases the odds of having fun at a particular casino.Quality Bonuses
Many gaming sites in the Bay State offer bonuses worth $1,000 or more. But I go beyond bonus size to consider if the terms and conditions are fair.
Top Online Casino Games in Massachusetts
The Bay State has access to many online casino games, but which types are the best? Find out below while I cover the best real-money online casino games in Massachusetts.
Online Slots
You will have access to many real money online slots in this state. Several offshore casinos serve Massachusetts.
On some sites, you can try them for free. After depositing, you can enjoy most games for around $0.20 a spin.
There are also many slots in Massachusetts land-based casinos. Encore Boston Harbor alone features 2,700 machines.
Online Poker
Online poker is more attractive in Massachusetts than its land-based counterpart.
The reason is that the state’s largest poker rooms, Boston Encore and MGM Springfield, collect a 10% rake in cash games, which is unacceptable by most player’s standards.
In contrast, online poker rooms collect a 5% rake, half of what MA land-based poker rooms take.
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is the most popular table game at Massachusett online casinos. It’s usually available in multiple formats at gaming sites like Single Deck, Perfect Pairs, and Zappit.
You can play online blackjack for free after joining the casino. Real-money blackjack stakes start at $1 and max out at $500.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer casinos are a great alternative if you want a land-based atmosphere without having to travel.
Most of our recommended online casinos offer live blackjack and roulette. Some feature other live dealer games like Blackjack Early Payout and Super 6.
Other Online Casino Games
Looking for more options when playing online casino games in the Bay State? Here are some additional types of games you can enjoy in the state.
Massachusetts Online Casino Bonuses
You’ll have hundreds of online casino bonuses to choose from in the Bay State. Here are some examples of the types of offers you’ll find.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Bonuses
So, which of these welcome offers are worth your time? Here are our top two picks for Massachusetts online casino bonuses.
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins + 150 Free Spins
The welcome package DuckyLuck Casino offers is just as impressive. The site awards players a 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins plus 150 free spins. Terms for this deal include:
- Minimum deposit: $25
- Wagering requirements: 30x the bonus plus deposit
- Max cashout: 10x the deposit amount
- No bonus code needed
- Restricted games: Craps, live dealer, progressives
$8,000 Welcome Package
MA gamblers can get a massive $8,000 Welcome Package at Red Dog Casino. Notable terms and conditions behind this welcome promo are as follows:
- Minimum deposit: Starting at $10 (Neosurf)
- Wagering requirements: 40x the bonus plus deposit
- Max cashout: 30x the deposit amount
- Bonus code: PATIO
- Restricted games: Everything except slots, keno, scratchcards, and board games
Casino Apps
The Google Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS) do not host unregulated online gambling apps.
Therefore, you will not find Massachusetts casino apps available because they are not regulated.
However, you may still enjoy mobile casino games at offshore gaming sites. Offshore casinos feature in-browser play for smartphone and tablet users.
You can visit these mobile casinos, sign up, deposit, and play games through Safari or another browser.
Legal Gambling Facts for MA Players
Some misconceptions exist about MA online casinos due to their unregulated nature. The following facts will help clear up any mistaken beliefs about the matter.
- Massachusetts regulates online sports betting but not online casinos.
- The Bay State’s General Laws do not mention online gaming as illegal.
- Lots of offshore casinos accept players from this state.
- MA authorities have never arrested anybody for gambling online.
- Although offshore casinos are unregulated in Massachusetts, they often hold licensing in other jurisdictions like Curaçao or Panama.
- You should thoroughly research prospective offshore casinos because they are unregulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).
- MA online casinos take cryptocurrencies as payment options, but they cannot accept ACH bank transfers due to the UIEGA.
Massachusetts Gambling Laws Summary
The Bay State has legalized most forms of land-based gambling and online sports betting. You can see more on what is legal here in the following table.
| Ohio Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-Based Casinos in Massachusetts | The Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 paved the way for up to three casino resorts and one slots parlor, which are: •Encore Boston •MGM Springfield •Plainridge Park (slots parlor) Tribes have been fighting to open First Light Casino and Aquinnah Cliffs without success so far. |
| Online Gambling | Massachusetts features legal online sports betting but no other forms of regulated mobile gambling. Chapter 271, Section 1 of the state’s General Laws does not specifically prohibit online gambling sites. Therefore, many offshore casinos and poker rooms serve this state. |
| Sports Betting | The Bay State legalized land-based and online sportsbooks through the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act (H5164) in August 2022. This bill allows for 15 sports betting apps and casino resorts to host retail sportsbooks. |
| State Lottery | MA legislators approved lotteries in 1971, and the Massachusetts Lottery went live the following year. |
| Charitable Gambling | Qualified charities can run bingo games, raffles, and casino nights (a.k.a. bazaars). They must register with the Attorney General’s Public Charities Division before holding gambling fundraisers. |
| Poker | Two Massachusetts land-based poker rooms are available at MGM Springfield and Encore Boston. Offshore online poker sites also accept players from Massachusetts. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse racing betting has been legal in this state since 1934, with Plainridge Park Casino being the only active horse track today. State constituents banned dog racing in 2008 by voting in favor of Question 3 of the Massachusetts Greyhound Protection Act. Which officially took effect in 2019. |
| Fantasy Sports | Daily fantasy sports are legal in the Bay State. Prospective operators must register with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Once approved, DFS sites must pay 15% of their Adjusted Gross Fantasy Wagering Receipts to the MGC. |
| Social Gambling | Home poker games are legal in Massachusetts, provided nobody collects rake from the action. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Massachusetts treats gambling winnings as regular income, charging a 5% flat tax rate. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Massachusetts permits most legal forms of gambling, including brick-and-mortar casinos, charitable gaming, horse betting, poker, social gambling, and sports betting.
It is stricter on some of these options versus others. For example, the Bay State only allows three casinos and two poker rooms, while it permits over a dozen sportsbook apps. You can read about the legalities behind different forms of MA gambling below.
Land-Based Casinos
State lawmakers approved the Expanded Gaming Act in November 2011, with Gov. Deval Patrick’s signature making it official.
This act carves up three casino regions, including Region A (central), Region B (western), and Region C (southeastern). Region A features Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino (slots only), while Region B has MGM Springfield.
Encore Boston is Massachusetts’ biggest casino, with 2,700 slot machines and 185 tables. MGM Springfield ranks a close second with 2,550 slots and 120 tables. Plainridge Park Casino is a slots-only facility with 1,250 slot machines.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head have proposed plans to build casinos in Region C.
The Mashpee Tribe has plans for the Aquinnah Cliffs Casino at Martha’s Vineyard, while the Wampanoag Tribe wants to build the First Light Casino in Taunton. Both have run into legal challenges, which have halted their efforts.
Horse & Dog Tracks
The Bay State legalized parimutuel betting in 1934, opening the way for dog and horse racing betting. Suffolk Downs became Massachusetts’ first horse track when it opened in 1935.
Plainridge Park is the only active MA horse track today after getting a lifeline from the Expanded Gaming Act. Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs offer simulcast betting on dog and horse races.
Wonderland Greyhound Park and Raynham Park featured greyhound races until 2009. They had to cease operations after the state’s Greyhound Protection Act passed the prior year.
Bingo, Lottery
and Charitable Gambling
Lotteries have a history in Massachusetts dating back to the mid-1700s when MA was a British province. The province first ran a lottery in 1745 to help finance King George’s War against France and the Wabanaki Confederacy.
Massachusetts banned lotteries in 1833 before finally legalizing them again in 1971. It began selling lottery tickets the following year.
Today, the Massachusetts Lottery offers Mega Millions, Powerball, scratchcards, and local games like Mass Cash.
As for charity gambling, organizations like churches and fraternal clubs can register to hold gambling fundraisers.
They can offer bingo, casino nights, poker tournaments, and raffles. By comparison, some states only allow charity bingo and raffles.
Social Gaming at Home
The Bay State does not place many restrictions on social gambling. People can hold private poker games and other skill-based gambling events provided nobody banks the action.
No one can profit in other ways, like selling alcohol or food to players.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield have the only legal poker rooms in the state. They are comparable, with both casinos offering around two dozen tables.
They also take 10% rake from cash hands, higher than the industry average.
Sports
Betting
The Massachusetts Sports Wagering Act of 2022 legalized land-based and online sports betting in this state.
It permits casino resorts to house retail sportsbooks and allows up to 15 sports betting apps. A sportsbook app can get licensed through a land-based partner (eight spaces available) or a competitive bid (seven available).
Bay Staters can’t wager on in-state teams like Boston College, Harvard, and UMass. But they can bet on college sports in general and most other popular markets.
Casinos in Massachusetts
This state offers two major casino resorts and the Plainridge Park slots parlor. You can find these casinos and how to get to them on the following map.
Top Casinos
- Encore Boston Harbor
- MGM Springfield
- Plainridge Park Casino
Summary
- Total Casinos: 3
- Total Poker Rooms: 2
Massachusetts Gambling vs. Neighboring States
The Bay State has steadily added more forms of gambling to match its neighbors and keep players within state boundaries. As you will see below, most forms of gambling are either legal or tolerated here.
| State | Is some form of Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Connecticut | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New Hampshire | Yes | 18 – 21 | Grey Area | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New York | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Rhode Island | Yes | 18+ | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Massachusetts and its neighbors have similar stances on gambling for the most part. It matches with Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island in nearly all areas covered above.
The lone difference is that Rhode Island lets 18-year-olds enjoy all types of gambling, including casinos.
New Hampshire is like the Bay State in every area besides casino gaming.
It does not offer casinos but does have charity gambling venues billing themselves as such. NH charity venues feature bingo, card rooms, roulette, and more.
Vermont is the most conservative gambling state among this group. It does not offer land-based casinos or sports betting.
A Brief History of Massachusetts Gambling
Puritan settlers who came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony quickly banned gambling in 1638. But as seen below, Massachusetts has steadily morphed into a gambler’s haven with several forms of legal gaming.
| Year | Historical Event |
|---|---|
| 1638 | Puritans prohibit card and dice games to prevent idleness. |
| 1719 | Lawmakers ban private lotteries, which had gained popularity. |
| 1745 | Lotteries become legal to help finance King George’s War. |
| 1833 | Now a state, Massachusetts prohibits lotteries once again. |
| 1934 | Legislators legalize parimutuel betting to recover from the Great Depression. |
| 1971 | Lotteries become legal again, ending a 138-year ban on them. |
| 1972 | The Massachusetts Lottery begins selling tickets. |
| 2008 | The Bay State bans dog racing, which will phase out by 2010. |
| 2011 | Gov. Patrick signs the Expanded Gaming Act into effect; casinos are now legal. |
| 2015 | Plainridge Park becomes the first Massachusetts casino to launch. |
| 2018 | MGM Springfield becomes the first MA casino resort to open. |
| 2019 | Encore Boston Harbor opens. |
| 2022 | Gov. Charlie Baker signs H5164, thus legalizing land-based and online sports betting. |
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission heads statewide efforts to promote responsible gambling. It dedicates a page to problem gambling signs, treatment tools, and helpful resources. Some resources listed on the MGC website include:
- MGC voluntary self-exclusion program
- National Council on Problem Gambling self-assessment test
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services
- MA Problem Gambling Helpline
Summary: Massachusetts’s Gambling Journey
The Old Colony State has legalized almost every major type of gambling. It offers casinos, poker rooms, retail sportsbooks, betting apps, lotteries, and horse betting. The only things left include online casinos and poker sites.
Like many states, Massachusetts focused on regulating online sports betting after the fall of PASPA. It has made little effort to regulate mobile casinos or poker rooms in the aftermath. We assume this situation will remain the status quo for at least five years.
Luckily, state authorities do not seem concerned with offshore poker sites and casinos. You can easily find opportunities to play online casino games and poker here. Nobody has ever gotten arrested for doing so in Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still, have questions about gambling in the Bay State? The following FAQs provide answers regarding available MA casino games, responsible gambling, no-deposit bonuses, and more.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Massachusetts?
Tribal casinos have yet to open in this state due to legal challenges. But if the Wampanoag Tribe and/or Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe can open a casino, they would only be able to do so on reservations. Meanwhile, the MA commercial casinos MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor operate on public lands.
What are the most popular casino games in Massachusetts?
Slot machines are the most popular casino games in the Bay State. 6,500 slots are available in the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos. Online casinos in Massachusett collectively offer several hundred more slots.
