17 Questions, 17 Days Before Massachusetts Online Sportsbooks Launch

The anticipated launch time for online sports betting in Massachusetts is scheduled for March 10th, 10 a.m. ET.

Massachusetts, home to the sports-crazed Boston metropolitan area and its famously passionate fans, is anticipated to witness a significant online sportsbook launch. This launch is expected to be one of the largest since the repeal of PASPA by Congress in 2018.

Only 17 days left until the launch.

After careful consideration, we compiled a list of 17 crucial, well-known, and persistent inquiries regarding the introduction of Massachusetts sportsbook apps. Subsequently, we provided comprehensive responses to each question based on the most reliable knowledge and data presently accessible.

1. Which sports betting apps will be available?

On March 10, a total of seven sports betting apps from Massachusetts will be made accessible.

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Caesars Sportsbook
• BetMGM
• WynnBET
• Betr
• Barstool Sportsbook

This week, PointsBet withdrew its application for an online license in Massachusetts.

In May, both Fanatics Sportsbook and Bally Bet are set to be launched, while Betway is scheduled for its launch in 2024.

2. How many retail sportsbooks are there?

Currently, Massachusetts houses three retail sportsbooks, all exclusively located within the state’s three casinos.

• The WynnBET Sportsbook is situated at Encore Boston Harbor, which can be found to the north of downtown Boston.
• The BetMGM Sportsbook can be found in MGM Springfield, located in Springfield.
• There is a Barstool Sportsbook available at Plainridge Park Casino, which is situated in Plainville, approximately 54 miles to the south of Boston.

Why isn’t Caesars Sportsbook at Raynham Park open yet?

A month ago, Raynham Park, one of the two horse racing simulcast facilities in Massachusetts, revealed that it had partnered with Caesars Sportsbook to establish a retail sportsbook on its premises.

Why hasn’t a retail Caesars Sportsbook been established in Massachusetts yet?

Raynham Park is yet to receive approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for its sports betting offering. During its meeting on February 23, the MGC will discuss the timeline for reviewing Raynham Park’s license application.

3. Will more sportsbooks launch in the future?

Certainly. We offer our products for sale in both physical retail stores and through our online platform.

In accordance with Massachusetts law, individuals can avail themselves of a maximum of 15 online sports betting applications. These include seven licenses that are not tied to any specific location, six licenses that are associated with Massachusetts casinos, and two licenses that are connected to the state’s simulcast facilities, namely Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park.

Up to this point, the following ten licenses have been granted:

License Type	How Many Approved	List of Approved
Untethered	5	DraftKings FanDuel Bally Bet Betr Betway
Tethered	5	BetMGM (MGM Springfield) WynnBET (Encore Boston Harbor) Barstool Sportsbook (Plainridge Park Casino) Caesars Sportsbook (Encore Boston Harbor) Fanatics Sportsbook (Plainridge Park Casino)

This implies that there are two additional online licenses available without any restrictions, along with three licenses that require a tethered connection. Out of these three tethered licenses, one is allotted for MGM Springfield, one for Suffolk Downs, and one for Raynham Park.

The initial partnership between Raynham Park and Bet365 for its tethered online license did not materialize.

Why isn’t BetRivers launching?

One significant omission became apparent when the list of sports betting operators seeking licenses was released.

BetRivers.

BetRivers ranks among the top five brands in the US sports betting market. Considering the strong passion for professional sports in Massachusetts, comparable to religious fervor, the state is expected to offer a highly profitable sports betting market.

However, BetRivers, despite initial expectations of utilizing Suffolk Downs’ online license, chose not to apply. Furthermore, there are no plans for the company to apply in the foreseeable future.

Why?

At this time, Rush Street Interactive has declined to provide any comments regarding the Massachusetts market, as stated by a spokesperson in a conversation with Play MA.

4. Are credit cards allowed at Massachusetts sportsbooks?

Attempting to make deposits at Massachusetts online sportsbooks using a credit card is futile as it will not be successful.

Massachusetts, along with Iowa, Tennessee, and Connecticut, is among the few states that prohibit the use of credit cards for sports betting. This measure aims to address gambling addiction by preventing individuals from accumulating debt through credit card usage.

Online banking and debit card are our preferred options for depositing and withdrawing funds. These methods are quick, uncomplicated, and seamlessly integrate with your sports betting account. If you desire rapid withdrawals, opt for a debit card.

Can I use a credit card to fund my PayPal?

Is it possible to discover a technical loophole that allows you to utilize a credit card for funding your e-wallet, like PayPal, enabling it to be accepted for deposits?

Nope.

During the process, PayPal will decline any credit card used for deposits. Certain sportsbooks, like FanDuel, do not support card transactions via PayPal. They solely accept deposits from existing funds in your PayPal account or money linked to your online banking account.

Here’s my advice for bettors in Massachusetts, as credit cards are not accepted at sportsbooks in my state. To find out more, continue reading.

5. What are the restrictions on betting on college sports?

If you are considering betting on college sports in Massachusetts, it is important to bear in mind several restrictions.

To begin with, it is important to note that placing bets on in-state college teams is prohibited, unless they are participating in a tournament that involves a minimum of four teams. This rule encompasses various events, ranging from in-season basketball tournaments like the highly-regarded Maui Jim Maui Invitational, to postseason tournaments like March Madness.

Before placing your March Madness futures wager, it is not possible to bet on in-state college teams until they have secured a position in their respective NCAA Tournament. In simple terms, you must wait until Selection Sunday to hear Boston College’s name announced before making your bet.

Additionally, betting on individual college awards for any athlete, regardless of their location, is prohibited. Furthermore, placing bets on in-state teams for end-of-season outcomes is not allowed. For instance, wagering on Boston College to emerge as the ACC champion would not be permitted; however, you could place a bet on Duke, a team from North Carolina, to achieve that feat.

There are now no limitations on college betting solely based on the event’s location in Massachusetts. The crucial factor is the involvement of in-state colleges. Take the Fenway Bowl, for example; if the two football teams competing are not from Massachusetts, there will be absolutely no restrictions on the types of bets you can place.

6. How much sports betting revenue is expected?

The commonly cited figure for tax revenue is approximately $60 million.

This would imply that the total sports betting revenue, combining online and retail sportsbooks, would fall within the range of $300-400 million.

Where will the tax revenue go?

Massachusetts imposes a 20% tax on revenue generated by online sportsbooks and a 15% tax on revenue generated through retail operations.

All the tax money collected will be consolidated into a single fund. Here’s the breakdown of how that fund will be distributed:

• The General Fund receives 45% of the total.
• The Gaming Local Aid Fund will receive 27.5% of the total amount.
• The Workforce Investment Trust Fund receives 17.5% of the total amount.
• The Public Health Trust Fund will receive a 9% allocation.
• The Youth Development and Achievement Fund receives a contribution of 1%.

The estimated tax revenue of approximately $60 million would be allocated as follows: $27 million to the General Fund, $16.5 million to the Gaming Local Aid Fund, $10.5 million to the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, $5.4 million to the Public Health Trust Fund, and $600,000 to the Youth Development and Achievement Fund.

In 2022, the state’s General Fund amounted to a staggering $59.6 billion, making the $27 million seem insignificant. Similarly, the $16.5 million would only account for approximately 15.6% of the Gaming Local Aid Fund in the same year.

However, the amount of $5.4 million constitutes a significant 31.4% portion of the Public Health Trust Fund for the year 2022, making it a substantial contribution. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Workforce Investment Trust Fund and Youth Development and Achievement Fund are newly established funds.

7. Will online sportsbooks launch in time for March Madness?

Unless something goes wrong, Massachusetts online sportsbooks will be launched in time for March Madness.

The scheduled time for going live is 10 a.m. ET on Friday, March 10. Subsequently, Selection Sunday takes place on the following Sunday. The men’s NCAA Tournament commences on March 14, while the women’s NCAA Tournament starts on March 15.

March Madness is the second most wagered-on sporting event in the United States, following closely behind the Super Bowl.

Is there any chance they won’t launch March 10?

Can there be a possibility? Absolutely.

Yes, there is a very slim chance.

State regulators are determined to make online sports betting operational before March Madness, utilizing all their resources. With an enormous amount of money at stake, not to mention the anticipation from Massachusetts residents, they are committed to ensuring a successful launch by that date.

Nevertheless, the MGC’s capabilities are limited.

In the end, it is the responsibility of the operators to ensure that they complete all their required tasks promptly.

What specific actions are required at the moment? Currently, the focus is on the submission of sportsbooks’ internal controls. An assessment of a platform’s internal control would include details on how it can guarantee the reliability of its betting system.

The MGC is scheduled to approve the untethered licenses during its meeting on Feb. 23. Additionally, the commissioners will address the policies concerning marketing affiliates and sports betting vendors at the same meeting. On Feb. 28, the MGC intends to gather public input on its proposed policies regarding uniform standards of sports wagering and temporary prohibition.

Unless there are any issues with internal control submissions and the remaining agenda items at the MGC meetings, it is highly likely that MA online sports betting will be launched on March 10.

8. Will some sportsbook apps launch before others?

Karen Wells, the Executive Director of MGC, has allowed the possibility of a staggered launch, wherein certain apps could introduce their sportsbook platforms ahead of others. Conversely, a universal launch would see all apps becoming active simultaneously.

If certain operators’ internal control submissions fall significantly behind others, Wells suggested that a staggered launch might be feasible.

During a recent MGC meeting, Wells mentioned that they are all receiving the same approach for their review.

It seems that certain apps will be released earlier than others. Fanatics Sportsbook and Bally Bet are scheduled to launch in May, while Betway has plans to launch in 2024.

Contrary to popular belief, launching a sportsbook later than another would typically be perceived as a catastrophic setback. However, recent instances in Indiana indicate that a staggered launch may not be as detrimental as one might assume.

DraftKings entered the Indiana market in October 2019, a few weeks ahead of FanDuel. Initially, DraftKings enjoyed a larger market share in Indiana for a period of 30 months. However, FanDuel surpassed DraftKings during this timeframe. As of 2022, FanDuel dominated the Indiana market with a 38% share, while DraftKings held a 29% share.

Will the launch strategy, whether staggered or universal, make a difference for Massachusetts sportsbooks?

9. Will there be special sign-up offers for Massachusetts sportsbook apps?

You bet.

Massachusetts sportsbook operators will extend a warm welcome to bettors by offering enticing bonuses. While some operators may offer the same promotions available in other states, others may go the extra mile, like Boston-based DraftKings, by providing additional perks exclusive to Massachusetts.

Pre-launch promotions are already being provided by various apps.

An example of this is FanDuel, which offers a $100 bonus bet to any Massachusetts resident who registers before launch day (March 10, 10 a.m.). By simply signing up, you will receive $100 in bonus bets credited to your account on March 10.

10. Will any Massachusetts teams partner with sportsbooks?

It is highly likely. This is a widespread norm in states where sports betting is permitted.

After March 10, we will observe how the partnerships between the Boston Red Sox and DraftKings (for DFS) and MGM Resorts develop. It appears that DraftKings is the more probable collaborator. When they announced their DFS partnership for 2021, both the Red Sox and DraftKings subtly indicated that their relationship would advance in the future.

DraftKings, in fact, has established DFS partnerships with all four prominent professional sports franchises in Massachusetts, namely the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. Additionally, there is also a separate agreement between New England and Aristocrat Gaming, a prominent manufacturer of slot machines and casino games. However, it is important to note that this particular association should not be taken into consideration for the current discussion.

Is it possible that DraftKings will be the sole sports betting partner for all four teams? Only time will tell. It is reasonable to assume that other prominent players such as FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and PointsBet might also attempt to secure a deal.

For example, the MLS has formed a partnership with BetMGM Sportsbook, potentially enabling BetMGM to establish a sports betting collaboration with the New England Revolution.

Will MA sports venues ever have sportsbooks?

Maybe someday, but not anytime soon.

At present, the sports betting law in Massachusetts permits retail licenses exclusively at the state’s three casinos and its two horse racing simulcast facilities.

11. Can I bet on esports in Massachusetts?

Not yet, or perhaps not at all.

Regulators have not entirely closed the door on esports betting, a rapidly expanding market that is now available on most prominent US sportsbooks. However, they have expressed the need for additional time to conduct thorough research and deliberations on esports, alongside the following objectives:

• Chess
• Cornhole
• Olympics
• Jai alai

12. Can I bet on things other than sports?

Yes.

Massachusetts residents have the opportunity to place bets on awards shows like the Academy Awards or the Golden Globes if they can find odds at legal sportsbooks. Additionally, they can also place bets on professional league drafts and competitive eating events.

13. How are Massachusetts sportsbooks handling responsible gaming?

Self-exclusion is a mandatory feature that every sports betting app in Massachusetts must provide.

Gamblers have the choice to utilize self-exclusion, which enables them to effectively block themselves from accessing the app for extended durations, typically lasting 90 days or even more. Once an individual opts for self-exclusion, they will be unable to use the sportsbook until the designated time period has elapsed. This option is also available for those who prefer retail sportsbooks, as they will not be permitted entry until the specified time has passed.

The addition of a “cooling off” option for responsible gaming is being contemplated by Massachusetts regulators. Similar to self-exclusion, a cooling off period would be implemented, albeit for a shorter duration, such as 72 hours or a week. The final decision on whether to introduce cooling off periods has not yet been made by the MGC.

Moreover, a significant portion of the tax revenue generated from Massachusetts sports betting, specifically 9%, is allocated to the Public Health Trust Fund. This fund serves as a crucial source of funding for the Office of Problem Gambling Services and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), supporting their efforts in delivering problem gambling services.

14. Where is the closest Massachusetts sportsbook to me?

The answer varies based on your geographical location.

Encore Boston Harbor is undeniably the nearest option for Boston residents, considering its close proximity to the city. While technically situated in Everett, it is merely 6 miles to the north of downtown Boston.

If you live in Worcester, the second-largest city in Massachusetts, you’ll find that Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield in Springfield are roughly equidistant. However, the duration of your drive to MGM Springfield is likely to be shorter, depending on the time of day, since you won’t have to deal with the congested Boston traffic.

If you reside in Southeastern Mass, the nearest choice for a casino experience would be Plainridge Park Casino. Situated in Plainville, PPC is approximately 19 miles to the west of Brocktown, which happens to be the sixth most populous city in the state.

If you happen to be in Western Mass, MGM Springfield is the most convenient choice for a casino. Nevertheless, if you reside in specific cities, there is a possibility that casino sportsbooks in New York or Connecticut may be even closer to you.

15. Is sports betting the same as DFS?

No, it isn’t.

Participating in daily fantasy sports entails creating daily or weekly teams and competing in DFS contests. While DFS can be played for enjoyment, it also offers the opportunity to enter contests with cash rewards. Additionally, you can challenge your friends one-on-one, putting money at stake.

Massachusetts has consistently permitted DFS, which explains why both DraftKings and FanDuel offer DFS apps in the state. This can contribute to the misunderstanding between DFS and sports betting.

However, sports betting entails making predictions on specific outcomes in relation to a game or season. For instance, this could involve placing bets on the Celtics triumphing over the Knicks, the Patriots defeating the Giants by a margin greater than a touchdown, or the Red Sox and Yankees collectively scoring more than eight runs in their match.

Sports betting is considered gambling due to its reliance on luck rather than skill. The outcome of a bet is completely outside of your control, leaving you with no influence over whether you emerge as a winner or not.

DFS operators refer to DFS as a skill-based game as players employ their expertise to strategically assemble optimal rosters. They draw parallels between DFS and activities such as chess, spelling bees, or even navigating the volatility of the stock market. This distinction has played a significant role in the long-standing legality of DFS in numerous states, while sports betting has only recently gained legal recognition.

Sports Betting	DFS
Betting on certain outcomes happening during a game over the course of a season.	Selecting daily or weekly rosters of real-life athletes and competing against others.
Game of chance.	Game of skill.
Always real-money wagering.	Can enter free or paid contests.
Wasn’t allowed in MA until Jan. 31, 2023.	Was always allowed in Massachusetts.

16. Don’t online sportsbooks already exist in Massachusetts?

No, they are not.

If you come across any sports betting websites in Massachusetts, be aware that they are unregulated offshore platforms. Although these sportsbooks operate in a legal gray area, it is important to note that their lack of regulation should be a cause for concern.

Regulated sportsbooks offer superior digital security compared to offshore counterparts. Moreover, the absence of any governing authority leaves offshore sites prone to mistreating customers, with no legal means to seek justice.

The introduction of regulated online sportsbooks in Massachusetts is expected to significantly reduce the reliance on offshore sites within the state.

17. Can I bet on sports in Massachusetts waters?

Yes you can.

In the realm of sports betting, the Massachusetts state boundary stretches 3 miles beyond the state’s shoreline, encompassing areas such as Nantucket, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard, along with any other region within the state. This extension includes a distance of 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

Massachusetts residents only. Must be 21 years or older. Concerned about gambling addiction? Please call or text 1-800-GAMBLE.