Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sets Record for October

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Massachusetts Online Sports Betting Sets Record for October

October 2025 proved historic for sports wagering in Massachusetts. Bettors across the Bay State pushed totals to unprecedented levels. The surge reflects growing maturity in the market and a clear preference for digital platforms.

Massachusetts Online Sports Betting: Record Numbers for October

The latest data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) reveals a new monthly record handle: $892.2 million in total bets during October. That figure eclipses September’s previous high of $800.3 million by roughly 11.5%. Compared with October 2024, the state posted a 19.3% increase year-over-year. 

The vast bulk of wagers poured through digital platforms. US online sportsbooks accounted for approximately $879.2 million of the total handle, nearly 99 percent of all bets. Meanwhile, retail sportsbooks contributed only about $12 to 13 million, underscoring how dominant online betting has become in Massachusetts. 

Despite the surge in betting volume, revenue growth was more modest. Operators generated roughly $71.3 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the month. Moreover, the statewide hold rate, the percentage sportsbooks kept after payouts, hovered around 8.2%. The high volume, rather than an unusually high hold, drove the record results.

Reasons for the Surge in Massachusetts Sports Betting

Industry observers believe several factors combined to produce this landmark handle. First, the busy football season, including a full slate of NFL and college games, brought a surge in betting activity. 

Second, the state’s online betting market has matured significantly since its 2023 launch. Bettors are now comfortable using mobile apps for high-frequency, high-value wagers. 

Third, aggressive promotions and competitive offers from operators attracted new and repeat bettors, encouraging larger and more frequent bets. 

Expert Projections for Continued Growth

Analysts now view Massachusetts as a leading example of how fast a state can scale when legal wagering, digital adoption, and consumer demand align. The heavy reliance on mobile platforms and the dominance of online handle signal a broader shift toward digital-first gambling markets.

Moreover, many expect the momentum to carry into the late fall and early winter. With the NFL season moving toward playoffs and other major sports events on the horizon, betting activity may remain elevated. 

If even a fraction of October’s volume repeats, Massachusetts could close 2025 as one of the busiest per-capita sports wagering markets in the United States.

For regulators and industry watchers, the October data for Massachusetts offers more than just a record. It provides a blueprint into how modern sports betting, driven by online sportsbooks, can rapidly scale when demand, accessibility, and competitive offers align.