Sports Betting App Massachusetts
Massachusetts Bickers On Sports Betting, Debate Stalls Legalization. Posted on: March 3, 2021, 03:13h. Last updated on: March 3, 2021, 03:26h. Baker wants legal sports betting for professional and international sporting events. However, there would be no betting on collegiate or esports. Platforms would have to pay a hefty application fee, but it would be worth it because of the state’s demand for sports betting. Massachusetts hosts sports franchises in every major league.
When Will Massachusetts Launch Online Sports Betting?
Introduced in March 2020, Massachusetts State House Bill 4559 introduced a variety of measures to legalize sports betting in the state. Although stalled due to the pandemic in 2020, there is hope the bill will see the light of day in 2021 and legalization could follow in early 2022.
Massachusetts Sports Betting
Massachusetts practically breathes sports. Many of its residents are sports fans of either baseball, football, or basketball, which isn’t surprising given the state’s sponsoring of many professional (and winning) sports teams.
However, sports betting has not yet been launched in this colonial-era state. Let’s take a look at sports betting as it stands in Massachusetts and explore likely operators to pursue licensure if and when legalization occurs.
History Of Gambling And Sports Betting In Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ gambling history is fairly similar to many other populous states in the country. For example, pari-mutuel wagers for both horse and dog races have been legal since 1934. Furthermore, charitable gambling activities, like bingo, raffles, and even certain casino nights are totally legal at certain establishments. A state lottery has been running since 1971.
However, casinos were only constructed after November 2011, when then-Governor Deval Patrick signed the Expanded Gaming Act into law. This allowed three different commercial casinos to be constructed in distinct regions throughout the state. These casinos include Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor.
2016 saw the explicit legalization of daily fantasy sports. This was a big boon to DraftKings, a major sportsbook operator, which has its home in Boston.
Although other types of gambling are either legalized or well-established in Massachusetts, sports betting has lagged behind. Multiple bills were proposed in either the House or Senate throughout 2018 and 2019, though none of them have progressed very far.
March 2020 saw the proposal of a new sports betting bill that was passed by the House Committee on Ways and Means. This bill, H 4559, included language the combined many other sports wager-related bills. This bill, unfortunately, did not advance any further and sports betting legalization has stalled in the wake of COVID-19.
Massachusetts Sports Betting: What To Watch
Although sports betting in Massachusetts hasn’t been passed yet, chances are high that major developments will progress throughout 2021.
Specifically, sports betting has a champion in Sen. Brendan Crighton, who has fought for legal sports betting in the state for several years. The legislation on the table now will include requirements like an application fee of $10 million for each operator, a 15% revenue tax for both online and retail operations, and bans on collegiate betting surrounding teams from Massachusetts.
Sports betting enthusiasts should watch for news concerning H 4559. Note that there aren’t any guarantees of sports betting legalization (let alone launches) in 2021, although odds are good that sports betting will either be legalized and/or launched by 2022 at the latest.
Timeline Of Massachusetts’s Gambling History
- 1934 – Massachusetts legalizes pari-mutuel wagering for horse races and dog races
- 1971 – The Massachusetts state lottery is established. Tickets are sold the following year
- November 2011 – The Expanded Gaming Act is signed into law and allows for the construction of three commercial casinos
- 2015 – The state’s single slots-only casino, Plainridge Park Casino, opens
- March 2020 – Sports betting legislation moves to the House in Massachusetts House Bill 4559
Massachusetts Sportsbooks – Coming Soon
Although sportsbooks don’t currently operate within Massachusetts, several sportsbook operators do provide daily fantasy sports. Beyond those companies, we are confident that several big sportsbook names will seek licensure in Massachusetts due to the high-profit industry that is likely bubbling beneath the surface. Let’s take a look at some of the most likely sportsbook operators to come to this state.
DraftKings
DraftKings is an obvious choice for several reasons. For one, this operator is a big sportsbook provider in most legal sportsbooks states in the US. For another, DraftKings’ headquarters is located in Boston. DraftKings also already offers daily fantasy sports.
All of these factors combined make it seem likely that the operator will pursue licensure if and when sports betting is legalized.
Fortunately, sports bettors will find a lot to like about this book, such as a robust mobile app and special mobile-only betting pools they can access on their iPhones or Android devices. The app is known for its player-friendly odds and deep betting markets.
DraftKings is one of the industry leaders for these reasons and more, such as a very generous deposit match opening bonus that is potentially worth up to $1000.
FanDuel
FanDuel is almost as likely to launch in Massachusetts as DraftKings, as it also offers daily fantasy sports to Massachusetts residents. Furthermore, it has one of the best mobile apps in the industry, which offers live streaming and in-play betting alongside special promotional odds opportunities on special game days.
The app, furthermore, offers a generous opening bonus worth up to $1000 for new account owners. FanDuel’s betting market depth and league variety are extremely good, and players will be able to find betting pools for all their favorite American professional sports plus plenty of international or niche sports.
BetRivers
BetRivers may be a likely sportsbook to launch in Massachusetts as well. It’s a relatively young sportsbook, having only started two years ago. But it’s a quality platform through and through, featuring player-friendly odds and a mobile-optimized interface that makes navigating to various menus or functions quick and easy.
The app offers a small but worthwhile opening bonus and good betting markets for most major professional sports leagues, like baseball, basketball, and football. It’s not the best when it comes to international betting markets, but that’s an overall minor downside. You’ll also be able to participate in live streaming and in-play betting should you choose to place wagers in the middle of a big game.
BetMGM
You’d be wise to keep your eye on BetMGM as well. This budding sportsbook giant is looking to expand all across the eastern seaboard and offers a minimalist mobile app that’s easy to navigate and understand, even for newcomers to the habit.
BetMGM offers good betting markets and odds across the board, plus in-play betting. It offers live stream betting plus a solid rewards program that will make it a favorite for people who like to pick a single sportsbook on which to spend most of their time.
William Hill
William Hill may also try to launch in Massachusetts sometime in 2021 or 2022. It’s based in Europe. As such, it benefits from very deep and varied betting markets for European sports leagues, like professional soccer, rugby, and cricket.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Latest News
But it’s also a good choice for American sports lovers. It offers a good deposit match opening bonus, an intuitive mobile app, and live streaming if you want to catch your favorite horseraces and place in-the-moment wagers using William Hill’s streamlined interface.
Massachusetts Gambling FAQs
Yes. There are currently three open casinos in Massachusetts, one of which is slots only. A fourth is currently being constructed.
All of the currently open casinos are owned by private companies. Native American tribes in Massachusetts are currently pursuing legal efforts to finish a casino that has already begun construction.
No. Sports betting of any type is illegal, although any future sports betting legislation will likely include provisions to allow online or mobile sports betting.
No. While the state does have a lottery, it does not allow you to purchase tickets using mobile platforms. You can see if you win using online sites, however.
You need to be 21 years of age or older, which is the same age required in other states.
Massachusetts Sports Betting Laws
Yes. The only casino locations are retail, so you don’t have any online casino gambling options. Therefore, you also don’t need to worry about identity theft or other digital threats.