Massachusetts Won’t Allow Futures Bets on Individual College Awards

Residents of Massachusetts will have restrictions on placing futures bets on in-state colleges that have not yet qualified for the NCAA Tournament, as well as on college athletes for end-of-season awards like the Heisman Trophy and Wooden Award.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reached those conclusions at their meeting on Tuesday.

The frequently asked questions received by the MGC regarding college sports betting were discussed by the commissioners. Each question was addressed along with the corresponding response provided by the MGC.

Can I Place a Futures Bet on a MA College That Hasn’t Yet Qualified for the NCAA Tournament?

No.

In other words, Massachusetts residents are not allowed to make a futures bet on Boston College winning March Madness until the Eagles have officially secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

In the event that Boston College emerges victorious in the ACC Tournament, sportsbooks may commence the provision of March Madness futures odds for BC. Furthermore, if Boston College receives an invitation on Selection Sunday, sportsbooks can promptly present those odds. However, under no circumstances are they allowed to display odds prior to either of these occurrences.

Learn more about Massachusetts Sports Betting.

Caitlin Monahan, deputy general counsel to the MGC, clarified her understanding of the law by stating that individuals must currently participate in the tournament rather than being hypothetically involved in the future.

Residents are allowed to make future wagers if the college automatically qualifies for postseason tournaments, like the ACC Tournament. Therefore, it is possible to place bets on Boston College winning the ACC Tournament if a sportsbook provides such odds.

Can I Bet on Individual Postseason Awards?

No.

The question that triggered extensive debate was ultimately decided by the MGC to adopt a conservative stance and prohibit betting on individual college athletics awards, including the Heisman Trophy and Wooden Award. This decision aimed to safeguard athletes from potential undue pressures or influences.

Will the launch strategy (staggered or universal) of online sportsbooks in Massachusetts have any significant impact?

The reason behind the commissioners’ decision was the inclusion of a provision in the sports betting bill that prohibits betting on any collegiate “athletic event.” The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) determined that the entire season should be considered as one athletic event. As a result, not only will player prop bets in college sports be prohibited, but also futures bets on end-of-season awards will not be allowed in Massachusetts.

Commissioner Jordan Maynard believed that the MGC was displaying excessive caution. He noted that the process of end-of-season awards, which involved the votes of numerous sports writers nationwide, was fundamentally different from placing bets on specific outcomes within a game.

Maynard acknowledged, “I might be the only one with a different opinion on this matter, but that’s perfectly fine.”

Can I Place a Bet That Depends on Regular Season Results?

Yes and no.

One illustration of this can be seen when placing a bet on a team to secure the highest position in the conference standings and emerge as the champions of the regular season.

Residents of Massachusetts are prohibited from placing bets on a college located within Massachusetts. However, they are allowed to place bets on teams from any other state.

To illustrate, while the gambler was restricted from betting on Boston College to secure the ACC regular season title, they were allowed to place a bet on Duke.

Can I Place a Bet on a Tournament That’s Played in Massachusetts?

Yes.

The limitations on college sports betting in Massachusetts are not based on location, but rather on the types of wagers that can be placed on Massachusetts college teams and athletes.

Is there a possibility that MA Online Sportsbooks will be launched in time for the NCAA Tournament during March Madness?