Massachusetts Gambling: Recommended Online Casinos and Sportsbooks, Regulation and News

Massachusetts offers a dynamic and growing gambling industry that attracts both residents and visitors. The state blends traditional and modern gaming options under a tightly regulated legal framework. 

Players can enjoy land-based casinos, online sports betting, poker rooms, horse racing, lotteries, and sweepstakes. Each option caters to different preferences, from casual play to high-stakes experiences.

Tribal gaming also plays a central role in Massachusetts. Federally recognized tribes operate casinos under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, contributing significantly to local economies. These facilities provide entertainment, jobs, and community programs, creating lasting benefits beyond the gaming floor.

In recent years, Massachusetts has expanded legal gambling to include online sports betting and mobile platforms. This modernization allows players to place bets safely from their smartphones or computers. 

At the same time, traditional land-based casinos remain popular, offering slots, table games, poker, and live entertainment.

Lotteries and sweepstakes further diversify the gambling landscape. Licensed sweepstakes and state lotteries provide opportunities for players to win prizes legally, while unlicensed operations remain not regulated. Horse racing also continues to attract bettors through both live and online platforms.

Overall, Massachusetts balances innovation with strong regulation, ensuring gambling remains safe, fair, and accessible. With this combination, the state has created a vibrant, multi-faceted industry for all types of players.

Best Online Sportsbooks in Massachusetts

Best Online Gambling Sites in Massachusetts

Recent Gambling News from the State of Massachusetts

Overview: Massachusetts Tribes and Their Role in State Betting

Tribal gaming forms a cornerstone of Massachusetts’ gambling industry. Federally recognized tribes operate under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which allows them to manage casinos and other gaming facilities on tribal lands. These operations not only provide entertainment but also contribute significantly to local economies.

Massachusetts’ tribal casinos feature a mix of slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. By offering these options, they attract both casual players and high-stakes gamblers. The revenue generated supports essential tribal programs, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. This creates a positive impact that extends well beyond the gaming floor.

Additionally, tribal casinos often collaborate with the state and surrounding communities. They generate employment opportunities and promote tourism, benefiting local businesses. Through careful regulation and oversight by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), these operations maintain transparency and fairness.

Over the past decade, tribal gaming has expanded alongside commercial casinos and online platforms. This growth strengthens the state’s overall gambling market while respecting tribal sovereignty. By combining traditional and modern gaming options, Massachusetts tribes play a unique and vital role in shaping the state’s gambling landscape.

Ultimately, tribal casinos in Massachusetts demonstrate how regulated gaming can balance economic growth, community support, and entertainment. Their contributions remain essential to the state’s multi-faceted gambling industry.

Key Massachusetts Tribes and Their Operations

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Operation: Wampanoag Tribal Casino

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is a federally recognized tribe located in Mashpee, Massachusetts. With a rich history dating back centuries, the tribe has maintained cultural traditions while actively pursuing economic development. They place strong emphasis on education, healthcare, and social programs for tribal members. 

Over the years, the tribe has become a prominent figure in Massachusetts’ economic landscape, balancing community development with sustainable growth. 

The Mashpee Wampanoag are known for preserving their language, ceremonies, and cultural heritage while engaging with local and state governments to support mutual economic and social initiatives. Their focus on responsible growth positions them as both a cultural and economic leader among Massachusetts tribes.

The tribe operates the Wampanoag Tribal Casino, a full-scale gaming facility featuring slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. This casino draws visitors from across the state, offering a safe and regulated gaming environment. 

Revenue from the casino supports tribal programs, infrastructure projects, and local employment. The casino also provides entertainment, dining, and community event spaces, making it a central hub for both recreation and economic activity. 

By combining modern gaming with community investment, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plays a key role in shaping Massachusetts’ gambling landscape.

Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)

Operation: No Active Full-Scale Gaming Operations

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, also known as the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe, is located on Martha’s Vineyard and is federally recognized. The tribe focuses heavily on cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic self-sufficiency. 

They maintain strong traditions, including language revitalization and ceremonial practices, while exploring modern business ventures to support their community. The tribe’s small size allows for close-knit governance and targeted community development. 

They engage with state agencies, nonprofits, and private enterprises to create sustainable programs that benefit tribal members. The tribe’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to both heritage preservation and economic advancement.

While the tribe does not yet operate a full-scale casino, they have plans for small-scale gaming and entertainment facilities. These ventures may include limited slot machines, card games, or other recreational gaming activities. 

As development progresses, the tribe aims to create a safe, regulated environment for visitors while ensuring the community benefits from employment and revenue opportunities.

Current State Laws of Massachusetts Regulating Gambling

Massachusetts Gaming Act (2011)

The Massachusetts Gaming Act established the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) to regulate all commercial and tribal casino gaming.

This Enabled the licensing of land-based casinos, regulated slot machines and table games, and ensured responsible gambling practices. It also set clear rules for tax revenue distribution from casino operations.

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)

The IGRA is a federal law governing gaming activities on tribal lands, allowing federally recognized tribes to operate casinos under compacts with the state.

This provides the legal framework for tribal casinos like the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s operations. Ensures revenue supports tribal programs and maintains regulatory compliance.

Massachusetts Sports Wagering Law (2023)

The Massachusetts Sports Wagering Law legalized both land-based and online sports betting in the state. Licensed operators must comply with MGC regulations.

Through this law, the state has expanded their gambling market. This allowed mobile betting platforms, retail sportsbooks, and live sports betting at casinos. Consequently, this law also increases state revenue through licensing fees and taxes.

Massachusetts State Lottery Law

This law authorizes the Massachusetts State Lottery to operate draw games, instant-win tickets, and multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions.

Its effect provides regulated and legal lottery options for residents, generating significant revenue for the state, which supports education and local programs.

Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting Law

This law regulates horse racing, off-track betting, and pari-mutuel wagering at venues like Plainridge Park Casino. This ensures fair and transparent horse betting while promoting the industry as a safe and regulated form of gambling.

Sweepstakes and Social Gaming Regulations

Various sweepstakes and social gaming regulations permit sweepstakes and certain social gaming activities as long as no purchase is required to win. Such regulations provide legal avenues for sweepstakes and virtual gaming while preventing unregulated gambling that could harm consumers.

Responsible Gambling Regulations

The MGC requires all licensed operators to implement responsible gambling programs, including self-exclusion options and player education. This law helps prevent problem gambling and promotes safe participation across all gambling sectors in the state.

Latest Massachusetts Gambling Legislative Updates

House Bill 4431: Legalization of iGaming (Online Casino)

This bill, introduced by Rep. David K. Muradian Jr., aims to legalize a regulated online casino market in Massachusetts, allowing games like slots, poker, blackjack, table games, peer-to-peer, and skill-based games. 

If passed, this would significantly expand the state’s gambling landscape by allowing its three commercial casinos (Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park) to apply for online casino licenses. 

Sweepstakes Casino Ban (as part of HB 4431)

The same bill would ban “online sweepstakes gaming”. This typically deals with dual-currency platforms where virtual tokens are bought and then redeemed for cash or prizes. 

If passed, operating, promoting, or assisting such sweepstakes games would become illegal in Massachusetts, with fines per offense (USD 10,000-100,000) and potential prison time for repeat offenders. This could shut down a large unregulated corner of the market, pushing users toward licensed, safer options.

Tax Rate & Licensing Structure for iGaming

Under HB 4431, iGaming operators would pay a 15% tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue. Licenses would last five years, with a $100,000 application fee, plus $50,000 for each additional “skin” or online brand. 

Currently, the tax rate is slightly lower than the 20% rate for online sportsbooks, making the business case more attractive for license-holders. The fee structure and multi-skin model encourage established casinos to partner with online operators.

Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

The bill mandates strict protections, including age (21+), geolocation checks, one account per brand, daily deposit caps ($20,000), no credit card deposits, and restrictions on marketing (no “risk-free” ads, no college-campus targeting). 

It also creates a Player Health Program funded by licensing fees and taxes, requiring each operator to designate a responsible gaming lead. 

These safeguards could reduce problem gambling and improve consumer trust. The Player Health Program may help fund prevention, treatment, and recovery services, aligning industry growth with social responsibility.

Proposed Sports Betting Regulatory Changes

Some legislators are proposing tougher rules for sports wagering, potentially raising the online betting tax from 20% to 51%, adding affordability checks (betting limits tied to a person’s available funds), and limiting promotions and advertising. 

If adopted, these measures would generate more revenue for the state but might discourage some operators or bettors. The affordability checks could help prevent gambling-related financial harm, but industry groups may resist steep tax hikes and tighter ad rules.

Fanatics Betting & Gaming House Rules Update

The MGC approved changes to the online house rules for Fanatics Betting & Gaming. These changes clarify how certain bet types (like “teasers”) will be handled, including payout for voided legs. 

These updates reflect ongoing regulatory oversight and adaptation. They ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in how complex bets are settled, strengthening bettor protection and trust.

Responsible Gambling Expansion

According to a recent MGC memo, there is a growing call to expand harm-reduction tools for sports bettors, including better support for those reporting financial or relationship harms. 

This suggests the MGC may push for stronger responsible gambling measures. As the market matures, regulators are recognizing the need for more proactive consumer protection.

MGC Warning on Prediction Markets (2025)

In November 2025, the MGC issued a formal warning to sportsbooks, forbidding them from offering sports-related event contracts (i.e., prediction-market trading) if not expressly authorized. 

The MGC said such contracts could violate existing state law (M.G.L. c. 23N) and warned that offering them may lead to license revocation. 

This restricts sportsbooks in Massachusetts from branching into unregulated prediction market products, reinforcing traditional regulated betting models and protecting bettors through established frameworks.

Cease-and-Desist Actions Against Offshore Operators (2025)

In June 2025, the Attorney General’s Office sent cease-and-desist letters to offshore operators that offer unlicensed casino and sports betting in Massachusetts. 

These platforms were reportedly accepting bets on casino games, U.S. sports, and horse racing without MGC licensing.

MGC Fines DraftKings for Credit Card Violations (2025)

The MGC fined DraftKings $450,000 for accepting credit-card backed wagers from customers, which is against Massachusetts sports betting rules. These violations occurred over a span of time (Feb 2023-Feb 2024), involving more than 1,100 transactions. 

Land-Based Sports Betting in Massachusetts

Status: Legal

Land-based sports betting in Massachusetts continues to grow as residents embrace expanded gaming options. The state legalized sports wagering in 2023, which allowed physical sportsbooks to open inside approved casino properties. 

These retail sportsbooks now operate under strict oversight from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which ensures fairness, transparency, and responsible gambling across all venues. Because of this strong regulatory structure, players can place bets with confidence and enjoy a safe environment.

Massachusetts offers several high-quality locations for in-person wagering. Each venue provides modern betting lounges, staffed kiosks, and digital boards that highlight updated odds. These spaces create an engaging experience for both seasoned bettors and newcomers. 

The state continues to refine its sports wagering rules. Regulators frequently introduce updated guidelines to address market changes and new betting trends. As a result, operators must comply with evolving standards that support consumer protection and competitive integrity.

Land-based sportsbooks also benefit Massachusetts communities by generating tax revenue for public programs. The industry remains a steady economic contributor, and it encourages tourism throughout the state. 

With continued oversight and development, sports betting will remain a central part of The Bay State’s gambling landscape.

List of Land-Based Sports Betting Operations in Massachusetts

MGM Springfield

Operator: BetMGM Sportsbook

The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield delivers a modern in-person betting experience inside one of the state’s most visited casinos. 

The retail sportsbook features staffed betting windows, multiple self-service kiosks, and several large video walls that broadcast live games and updated odds throughout the day. Bettors can place wagers on major professional and college sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey. 

The sportsbook sits near the main gaming floor, which helps create steady foot traffic and a lively game-day atmosphere. MGM’s on-site staff manages payments, compliance checks, and customer service, ensuring smooth operations from open to close. 

Because BetMGM oversees pricing, risk management, and wagering menus, the retail sportsbook maintains competitive odds and fast updates. This partnership allows MGM Springfield to offer a polished, resort-style sportsbook that appeals to both casual bettors and regular visitors.

Encore Boston Harbor

Operator: Caesars Sportsbook

The Caesars Sportsbook at Encore Boston Harbor provides one of the most upscale retail betting environments in New England. Located inside a luxury casino resort, the sportsbook includes a spacious lounge with premium seating, theater-style viewing screens, and private betting windows staffed by trained sportsbook employees. 

Customers can use handheld tickets, kiosk machines, or full-service counters depending on their preferences. Visitors receive quick support, clear guidance on betting options, and access to popular wagering types, including moneylines, prop bets, futures, and in-game betting. 

The venue attracts sports fans from across Greater Boston and remains a key draw for guests seeking a luxury casino and retail sportsbook in one setting.

Plainridge Park Casino

Operator: Fanatics Sportsbook

Plainridge Park Casino operates a full retail sportsbook that supports live betting in a smaller, convenient casino environment. Their Fanatics Sportsbook features betting windows, sports wagering kiosks, and dedicated screens displaying live odds and game feeds. 

Unlike the large casino resorts in the state, Plainridge’s sportsbook offers a more casual and accessible experience that appeals to everyday bettors, local patrons, and harness racing fans. Its partners, Fanatics Betting & Gaming and Penn Sports, support the technical side of odds management and wagering markets. 

This collaboration allows Plainridge Park to deliver reliable in-person sports betting without needing a massive sportsbook lounge. 

Massachusetts Online Sports Betting

Status: Legal

Online sports betting in Massachusetts has quickly become a popular way for residents to engage with legal wagering. 

Since the state legalized online sports betting in 2023, licensed operators have been able to provide mobile apps and online platforms under strict regulation by the MGC. These platforms allow users to place bets safely on professional and collegiate sports without visiting a physical sportsbook.

Licensed online sportsbooks in Massachusetts offer a full range of betting options, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, futures, and in-play betting. With geolocation technology, operators ensure that all bets originate within state boundaries, maintaining compliance with state laws.

The state continues to refine rules for online sports betting to support player protection and market growth. By combining convenience with regulation, Massachusetts ensures that online sports wagering remains a secure, accessible, and popular form of entertainment for residents throughout the state.

List of Online Sports Betting Operations in Massachusetts

BetMGM

Operator: BetMGM, LLC (tethered to MGM Springfield) 

BetMGM’s online sportsbook launched in Massachusetts on March 10, 2023. It provides a comprehensive mobile betting platform with markets across major U.S. and international sports, live betting, futures, and promotional features.

Because it’s tethered to MGM Springfield, it benefits from shared branding and risk-management infrastructure. Bettors can place bets within the app once geolocation confirms they are in-state, and their wagers are taxed under the state’s 20% online wagering rate. 

DraftKings

Operator: Crown MA Gaming, LLC d/b/a DraftKings 

As an untethered, independent mobile operator, DraftKings began accepting bets in Massachusetts on March 10, 2023. Known for its user-friendly interface and strong product design, DraftKings offers a wide selection of bet types: moneylines, parlays, live betting, and more. 

They also emphasize responsible gaming, including self-exclusion, deposit limits, and time-outs. 

Caesars Sportsbook

Operator: American Wagering, Inc. (tethered to Encore Boston Harbor) 

Caesars Sportsbook opened its online sportsbook in Massachusetts on March 10, 2023. It offers a full desktop and mobile wagering experience, with a wide variety of bet types, data feeds from major U.S. sports leagues, and live odds. 

Because of its connection with Encore Boston Harbor, Caesars can offer a seamless brand experience between the land-based casino and mobile betting.

FanDuel

Operator: Betfair Interactive US, LLC d/b/a FanDuel 

FanDuel’s mobile sportsbook has been live in Massachusetts since March 10, 2023. FanDuel is especially well-known for its intuitive app, real-time odds, and broad market coverage. 

Moreover, the operator also emphasizes player protection, offering tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. 

Fanatics Betting & Gaming

Operator: FBG Enterprises Opco, LLC (tethered to Plainridge Park Casino) 

Fanatics launched its Massachusetts mobile sportsbook on May 25, 2023, after receiving regulatory approval in May. Owned by the Fanatics brand (famous for licensed sports merchandise), this sportsbook integrates a sleek interface and a strong brand identity.

It offers typical wagering markets as well as in-app promotions tailored for sports fans. Because it is tied to Plainridge Park Casino, it helps bridge the land-based and online gambling experience. 

Penn Sports Interactive

Operator: Penn Sports Interactive, LLC (PENN Entertainment) 

Penn Sports Interactive went live on March 10, 2023. The sportsbook is tethered to Plainridge Park Casino, giving PENN a digital presence linked with its physical gaming partner. It provides a full mobile betting experience, including standard bets, futures, and live betting.

Other Online Sports Betting Options for Massachusetts Residents

Massachusetts Land-Based Casino Gambling

Status: Legal

Land-based casinos in Massachusetts provide a major source of entertainment, revenue, and tourism for the state. The MGC licenses and regulates all commercial casinos, ensuring operations remain safe, fair, and compliant with state law. These facilities combine gaming, dining, and live entertainment, creating a full resort-style experience for visitors.

Currently, Massachusetts has three major licensed commercial casinos: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino. Each offers a wide variety of table games, slot machines, and poker rooms. 

These venues attract both casual players and high-stakes gamblers, while also hosting events, concerts, and dining experiences. Their gaming floors are designed to engage players, with modern layouts, digital displays, and convenient customer service.

In addition to commercial casinos, tribal casinos contribute significantly to the state’s land-based gaming landscape. Tribal operations, like those of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, operate under federal and state compacts. These casinos also provide slots, table games, and poker, with revenues supporting tribal programs and local employment.

Massachusetts continues to balance expansion with regulation, maintaining responsible gaming programs and enforcement. Land-based casinos remain central to the state’s gambling industry, offering visitors a safe, exciting, and fully regulated gaming experience.

List of Land-Based Casinos in Massachusetts

Encore Boston Harbor

Operator: Wynn Resorts (Wynn MA, LLC)

The Encore Boston Harbor is a luxury resort casino located in Everett, Massachusetts. It features over 3,000 slot machines, 170 table games, and multiple poker rooms. The casino also offers high-end dining, nightlife, and live entertainment. 

Its gaming floor is designed for both casual players and high-stakes visitors. Encore is regulated by the MGC, and  attracts both local residents and tourists. As a result, this casino generates significant revenue for the state and surrounding communities.

MGM Springfield

Operator: MGM Resorts International

MGM Springfield is a full-scale resort casino located in downtown Springfield. It offers more than 2,500 slot machines, over 100 table games, and dedicated poker rooms. 

The casino includes multiple restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Its casino operations are fully licensed and regulated by the MGC, ensuring safety, fairness, and compliance with state law. 

Moreover, it contributes to local employment and community programs, while attracting visitors from across Massachusetts and neighboring states.

Plainridge Park Casino

Operator: Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. / Penn Entertainment

Plainridge Park Casino is a smaller casino located in Plainville, Massachusetts. It features over 1,000 slot machines, electronic table games, and a poker room. 

While not as large as the other two casinos, Plainridge Park provides convenient gaming for local patrons and harness racing enthusiasts. Its operations are licensed and regulated by the MGC, ensuring compliance and responsible gaming practices.

Massachusetts Online Casino Gambling

Status: Not Licensed or Regulated

Since the state hasn’t legalized commercial online casino gaming, online casino platforms operating in Massachusetts are considered not licensed or regulated. 

Despite this, the MGC continues to explore pathways for legal online casino operations. The proposed iGaming legislation, if enacted, would allow licensed operators to offer online slots, table games, and poker. 

However, they need to be tethered to the state’s three commercial casinos. This would create a secure environment where players could enjoy real-money games from desktop or mobile devices.

By combining potential online casino expansion, Massachusetts could provide a robust, fully regulated gaming market. Until then, online casino gaming remains unlicensed and unregulated within the state.

Other Online Casino Options for Massachusetts Residents

Massachusetts Poker

Status: Legal

Massachusetts allows poker games only in fully licensed and regulated venues. Such venues are the state’s three major commercial casinos: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino. 

These casinos offer a variety of poker tables, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other popular variants, with limits suitable for casual and professional players alike.

Each casino poker room is carefully managed to ensure fairness, security, and adherence to MGC regulations. Dealers are professionally trained, and games operate under strict oversight, including monitoring for collusion, fraud, and responsible gambling compliance. Players must verify age and identity, ensuring that all participants meet state requirements.

Poker tournaments are also a major feature of Massachusetts casinos. These events attract both local players and visitors from other states, offering competitive buy-ins and significant prize pools. Tournaments are organized to provide a fair and structured experience, complete with tournament directors, blind structures, and clear rules.

The state’s licensed poker rooms continue to provide safe, engaging, and well-regulated environments for players of all skill levels.

List of Poker Operations in Massachusetts

Encore Boston Harbor Poker Room

Operator: Wynn Resorts (Wynn MA, LLC)
Number of Tables: 28

Encore Boston Harbor offers a luxury poker room with 28 tables for Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other popular variants. The room hosts daily cash games and scheduled tournaments with varying buy-ins, attracting both casual players and high-stakes professionals. 

Dealers are professionally trained, and games are monitored by the MGC for fairness and compliance. Additionally, their poker room is integrated into the larger casino resort, giving players access to dining, entertainment, and other casino amenities. 

This ensures a complete gaming experience while maintaining strict oversight and responsible gambling practices.

MGM Springfield Poker Room

Operator: MGM Resorts International
Number of Tables: 15

MGM Springfield’s poker room features 15 tables offering Texas Hold’em and Omaha. It hosts cash games, daily tournaments, and special events, drawing local and out-of-state players. 

Professional dealers and floor managers oversee all games to ensure fair play and compliance with MGC regulations. The poker room is adjacent to the main casino floor, providing easy access to other gaming options, dining, and entertainment. 

MGM Springfield emphasizes a safe and structured environment, making it ideal for both newcomers and experienced poker players.

Plainridge Park Casino Poker Room

Operator: Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. / Penn Entertainment
Number of Tables: 5

Plainridge Park Casino provides a smaller poker room with 5 tables hosting daily cash games and occasional tournaments. Popular games include Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

While more intimate than the larger resort casinos, the poker room maintains full compliance with MGC regulations. Staffed by trained dealers and floor supervisors, it offers a safe, well-regulated environment. 

Its location near slots, electronic table games, and harness racing facilities creates a convenient and casual atmosphere for local players and regular visitors.

Massachusetts Online Poker

Status: Not Licensed or Regulated

Online poker in Massachusetts is currently not licensed or regulated. Despite the absence of fully regulated online poker, Massachusetts is exploring pathways for legal iGaming expansion. 

Proposed legislation would allow the state’s commercial casinos, Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino, to operate online poker platforms tethered to their land-based licenses. 

If enacted, players could access poker games on desktop or mobile devices, participate in cash games, and join regulated tournaments with clear rules and payout structures.

Until lawmakers pass any bills, Massachusetts online poker is still unregulated and unlicensed.

Other Online Poker Options for Massachusetts Residents

Massachusetts Land-Based Horse Betting

Status: Legal

Land-based horse betting in Massachusetts is a well-established form of wagering, primarily conducted at Plainridge Park Casino. This establishment operates a licensed harness racing track and betting facilities. 

Residents can place bets on live harness races using pari-mutuel systems, ensuring transparency and fairness. All horse betting operations in the state are fully licensed and regulated by the MGC, which oversees wagering practices, payouts, and compliance with responsible gambling standards.

At Plainridge Park, visitors can enjoy live race action in a dedicated wagering area. The facility offers multiple betting windows, self-service kiosks, and monitors displaying live odds and race replays. 

Moreover, bettors can participate in a variety of wagering options, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and daily double bets. Knowledgeable staff assist customers with placing bets, understanding odds, and managing wagers, creating a safe and engaging environment.

Horse racing events at Plainridge Park attract both casual bettors and enthusiasts, while contributing to local economic activity and supporting jobs in racing and hospitality. 

By combining regulated betting, entertainment, and community engagement, land-based horse betting in Massachusetts provides a secure, exciting, and fully legal wagering experience for residents and visitors alike.

List of Horse Betting Operations in Massachusetts

Plainridge Park Casino

Operator: Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. / Penn Entertainment

Plainridge Park Casino is the state’s primary venue for live horse betting, hosting harness racing year-round. The facility includes a fully licensed pari-mutuel wagering area, multiple betting windows, and self-service kiosks. 

Bettors can place wagers on win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and daily double bets. The track broadcasts live races on monitors throughout the casino, giving visitors real-time access to odds and race outcomes. 

Knowledgeable staff assist with wagers and offer guidance on race betting strategies. Plainridge Park combines horse betting with slot machines, electronic table games, and a casual dining environment, providing a complete entertainment experience. 

Its regulated operations ensure transparency, fairness, and responsible gambling practices, with oversight from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).

Raynham Park

Operator: Caesars Entertainment

Raynham Park is a premier gaming and horse racing venue located in Raynham, Massachusetts. It specializes in simulcast horse racing, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to place bets on live races from across the country. 

The facility includes multiple wagering windows and self-service kiosks, providing a convenient and engaging experience for both casual bettors and experienced horse racing enthusiasts.

Operated by Caesars Entertainment, Raynham Park combines top-tier customer service with state-of-the-art betting technology. The venue ensures all operations comply with MGC regulations, providing a secure and fair wagering environment. 

Raynham Park serves as a local hub for horse racing fans, offering a comfortable and social setting for watching live races, analyzing odds, and participating in pari-mutuel wagering.

Online Horse Betting in Massachusetts

Status: Legal

Online horse betting is legal in The Bay State. Their primary legal avenue for online horse betting is through Plainridge Park Casino, which offers pari-mutuel simulcast wagering via online platforms tethered to its land-based license. These regulated platforms allow bettors to place wagers on domestic and international horse races safely from desktop or mobile devices.

Licensed online horse betting platforms ensure compliance with MGC regulations. They implement geolocation technology, age verification, and secure banking methods to protect players. 

Bettors can access multiple wagering options, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and daily double bets. Customer support and responsible gambling tools are also provided to create a secure, fair, and enjoyable betting environment.

By combining land-based tracks and regulated online platforms, Massachusetts provides horse racing enthusiasts with both accessible and secure betting opportunities.

List of Online Horse Betting Operations in Massachusetts

Plainridge Park Casino: ADW

Operator: Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. / Penn Entertainment

ADW Platform: Hollywood Races (powered by eBet Technologies, Inc.)

Plainridge Park Casino, located in Plainville, Massachusetts, is the state’s primary venue for harness racing and horse betting. It offers both land-based pari-mutuel wagering and a fully regulated online account wagering platform, Hollywood Races, allowing residents to place bets safely from desktop or mobile devices.

The ADW system is licensed and regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), ensuring secure transactions, fair play, and compliance with state laws. Bettors can access a variety of wagering options, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and daily double bets.

Hollywood Races integrates seamlessly with Plainridge Park’s land-based operations, providing a complete horse racing experience while allowing bettors to participate remotely. The platform also includes responsible gambling tools, geolocation verification, and customer support, making it the only clearly authorized online horse betting option in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Lotteries

Status: Legal

The Massachusetts Lottery provides residents with a fully regulated and popular form of legal gambling. 

Established in 1971, it operates under the oversight of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with state law. The lottery offers a wide range of games, including draw games, instant scratch tickets, and multi-state jackpots, appealing to casual players and frequent participants alike.

Draw games such as Megabucks, Mass Cash, and Powerball allow players to win significant prizes, while instant scratch tickets provide immediate results for those seeking fast-paced gaming. 

The lottery’s revenues support important state programs, including local education initiatives, infrastructure, and public services. Massachusetts has built a network of licensed retailers across the state, giving residents easy access to physical ticket purchases.

In addition to traditional sales, the Massachusetts Lottery has expanded its presence online, offering digital tools to check results, view winning numbers, and explore game information.

List of Lottery Platforms in Massachusetts

Powerball

Operator: Massachusetts State Lottery

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot draw game. Players select numbers for the chance to win large, progressive jackpots. Drawings occur twice weekly, and tickets are sold through licensed lottery retailers and authorized online platforms.

Mega Millions

Operator: Massachusetts State Lottery

Mega Millions is another multi-state draw game offering huge jackpots. Players pick numbers to match against the drawn set. Tickets are available at physical retailers and online through the Massachusetts Lottery’s digital services.

Mass Cash

Operator: Massachusetts State Lottery

Mass Cash is a state-specific draw game where players choose five numbers to win cash prizes. Drawings happen twice weekly, and players can purchase tickets at retailers or check results online.

Megabucks

Operator: Massachusetts State Lottery

Megabucks is a popular in-state jackpot draw game. Players select six numbers and aim for top cash prizes. Tickets are available at retailers across the state.

Scratch Tickets / Instant Games

Operator: Massachusetts State Lottery

Instant scratch tickets provide immediate results with prizes ranging from a few dollars to substantial jackpots. Tickets are widely available at retail outlets and selected online portals.

iLottery / Online Platforms

Operator: Massachusetts State Lottery

Massachusetts Lottery’s digital platform allows players to check results, view game information, and access licensed online services. All online lottery activities are fully licensed and regulated.

Massachusetts Sweepstakes

Status: Not Licensed or Regulated

Currently, sweepstakes venues in Massachusetts are not licensed or regulated by the MGC. This means that any business offering sweepstakes-style gaming without explicit state approval operates outside legal oversight. 

Players using unregulated sweepstakes services face potential risks, including lack of consumer protection, unclear prize guarantees, and possible legal consequences.

Despite their ambiguous legal status, sweepstakes operations remain popular in certain areas. They often provide digital or physical platforms where participants can enter games, earn points, and redeem them for prizes. Marketing strategies highlight convenience and entertainment, aiming to attract casual players seeking instant rewards.

Massachusetts authorities continue to monitor these operations to ensure consumer safety. By focusing on regulated options, Massachusetts residents can enjoy secure, fair, and legally compliant gaming experiences.

Massachusetts Sweepstakes Casinos

Status: Gray Area

Sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts currently operate in a legal gray area. These venues, which allow players to use credits or points for prize-based games, are not licensed or regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). As a result, any sweepstakes casino activity carries risks, including limited consumer protection and uncertain prize fulfillment.

Lawmakers are considering stricter regulations. Proposed legislation, such as House Bill H.4431, seeks to prohibit online sweepstakes games that mimic casino-style gambling and use dual-currency systems. If passed, this bill would effectively make sweepstakes casinos illegal under state law. Violations could result in fines, license revocation, and even potential criminal penalties.

Currently, no statewide ban exists, but Massachusetts authorities actively monitor unregulated sweepstakes operations. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate only in licensed gambling options, including:

• State lotteries
• Commercial casinos (Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park Casino)
• Authorized horse betting platforms (e.g., Plainridge Park’s ADW, Hollywood Races)

Until clear legislation is enacted, sweepstakes casinos remain not licensed or regulated, and players should exercise caution. Massachusetts emphasizes safe, regulated, and legally compliant gaming over unregulated prize-based venues.

Massachusetts Gambling FAQ

Still Here?

Check out everything we have to offer at Betting News!

We really are All About the Game!

• NBA Consensus Picks
• NFL Consensus Picks
• NHL Consensus Picks
• MLB Consensus Picks