Massachusetts was ahead of its time when it came to DFS, but is catching up when it comes to online gambling. Residents currently can place bets on horse races, state lotteries and some esports competitions – however if they want to play casino games for real money they need to visit a land-based establishment; though lawmakers have begun discussing legalizing this form of online gambling.
In 2022, lawmakers finally made progress toward realizing their long-held dream of sports betting legislation. House and Senate leaders attempted to reach agreement on an all-encompassing bill; however, disagreements on key details prevented this happening. Finally, on August 1st the House approved its revised version which Gov. Charlie Baker then signed. It allows up to 15 retail and online sportsbooks each requiring licenses with an estimated tax rate of 20% on gross sports betting revenue.
Massachusetts residents will soon have the ability to place bets on sports events at three casinos: Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville and MGM Springfield. In-person bets can also be made at mobile apps and web sites operating with licenses from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission – this body oversees all gambling activity across the state including sports betting.
Sports bettors in California must be 21 or over to place wagers at licensed venues, while state gambling laws prevent people from placing bets of more than $500 regardless of whether or not they win.
Massachusetts law strictly forbids credit card use to fund sports betting accounts and for gambling companies in Massachusetts to deduct promotional credits from taxable income, yet sports gambling remains poised to become an immense industry there. And it is imperative that states enact sound regulations for these new industries to ensure safety and fairness for all players. In the meantime, players should exercise extreme caution when placing bets on unregulated websites. Unlicensed sites may fail to abide by the strict regulations set by the MGC, leading to potential fines or enforcement action from their regulator. Playing at licensed sites is the safest way to reduce these risks; visit their FAQ page for more information about Massachusetts gambling law.