Massachusetts Online Casinos and Gambling Sites

Written by: Jeremy Olson , Online Casino and Games Expert
Verified by: John Mehaffey , Expert on Las Vegas Casinos, Games, and Travel
Massachusetts Gambling Laws State Flag Icon

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

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 Logo DuckyLuck Casino BONUS 500% up to $7,500 PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 699 SLOTS 600 OUR RATING 4 / 5 Play Now
2 Bovada Casino Logo 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 Logo 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 Logo 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 Logo 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 Casino Logo Featured Image

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

reddog image logo

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 Casino Logo

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:

  1. Reputation

    Our reviewers only consider reputable gaming sites with histories of treating players well and offering quality customer support.
  2. Fast & Reliable Payments

    Quality online casinos process withdrawal requests quickly, ideally within 48 hours or less.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Slots Reel Big Icon

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.

Stack of Poker Chips Icon

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. 

big icon blackjack

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 Casino Icon

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.

DuckyLuck 500 Percent Up to 2500 Dollars Welcome Bonus Banner

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
RedDog Bonus 8000 banner

$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

Real Money Mobile Video Poker on Phone and Tablet

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.

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 GamblingWhat You Need to Know
Land-Based Casinos in MassachusettsThe 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 GamblingMassachusetts 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 BettingThe 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 LotteryMA legislators approved lotteries in 1971, and the Massachusetts Lottery went live the following year.
Charitable GamblingQualified 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.
PokerTwo Massachusetts land-based poker rooms are available at MGM Springfield and Encore Boston.
Offshore online poker sites also accept players from Massachusetts.
Horse & Dog RacingHorse 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 SportsDaily 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 GamblingHome poker games are legal in Massachusetts, provided nobody collects rake from the action.
Taxes on Gambling WinningsMassachusetts 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.

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.

YearHistorical Event
1638Puritans prohibit card and dice games to prevent idleness.
1719Lawmakers ban private lotteries, which had gained popularity.
1745Lotteries become legal to help finance King George’s War.
1833Now a state, Massachusetts prohibits lotteries once again.
1934 Legislators legalize parimutuel betting to recover from the Great Depression.
1971Lotteries become legal again, ending a 138-year ban on them.
1972 The Massachusetts Lottery begins selling tickets.
2008The Bay State bans dog racing, which will phase out by 2010.
2011Gov. Patrick signs the Expanded Gaming Act into effect; casinos are now legal.
2015Plainridge Park becomes the first Massachusetts casino to launch.
2018MGM Springfield becomes the first MA casino resort to open.
2019Encore Boston Harbor opens.
2022Gov. 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:

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.

Jeremy Olson

Jeremy Olson Online Casino and Games Expert

Jeremy Olson is a research writer in the gambling industry who has covered poker, casino games, and sports betting since 2004. He converted bad beats in blackjack and poker into a passion to learn and now specializes in several areas of the online casino market.

Learn More About Jeremy