Why You Can Bet On Some Olympics, X Games Events In MA, But Not Others

In Massachusetts, you have the opportunity to wager on over 60 sports. Thanks to the convenience of mobile sports betting, all you need to do is retrieve your phone from your pocket and tap a few buttons to get started.

Massachusetts sports bettors may find the Massachusetts Sports Wagering Catalog helpful as it provides a comprehensive list of approved sporting events available for betting, ranging from Australian rules football to water polo. However, it’s important to note that there are specific regulations and guidelines governing bets placed on certain competitions, which can sometimes be perplexing.

In terms of sports betting in Massachusetts, both the Olympic Games and X Games serve as prime examples of events that have experienced a mix of permitted and restricted betting opportunities.

Judged competitions are prohibited

In Massachusetts, it is indeed possible to bet on both the Olympic Games and X Games.

However, this only applies to events where judging is not involved.

Wagering on figure skating, individual and team gymnastics, diving, or freestyle skateboarding is prohibited under Massachusetts gaming law. Any activity that relies on judges to determine scores and the ultimate winner is not permitted.

However, the reason why these sports are not permitted for sports betting in the commonwealth is due to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s assessment that these events heavily depend on the subjective judgments of judges. Although the regulators do not necessarily view these sports as unreliable, there is a concern that corruption could potentially occur.

Betting on sports with judges is prohibited in several other states, such as New York and New Jersey.

While not all X Games events require judging, some of them like the renowned skateboarding events and sky surfing heavily rely on scores assigned by judges. Massachusetts sportsbooks will not offer odds for these particular events as they are excluded.

Olympic Sports you can bet on in Massachusetts

Paris will host the Summer Olympics in 2024, followed by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the hosts of the Winter Olympics in 2026. These prestigious global events attract numerous exceptional athletes from various countries. With the Olympic tradition at its core, dozens of nations vie for medals in friendly competition.

Once the games commence, Massachusetts residents will have the opportunity to place bets on a wide range of Olympic events.

• Track and field
• Basketball
• Swimming races and relays
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Handball
• Golf
• Table tennis
• Cycling
• Fencing
• Many more

The Winter Olympic sports that receive the highest level of attention from bettors include:

• Ice hockey
• Alpine skiing
• Speed skating
• Cross-country skiing
• Curling
• Luge
• Bobsleigh

Ice hockey is incredibly popular, particularly in regions like the northeast and North America, where many hockey enthusiasts are drawn to the nationalistic pride associated with the sport. Although the Winter Olympics may not have as many countries and athletes participating, it still manages to attract a considerable number of them.

MASSACHUSETTS: Explore a Wide Range of Betting Options with 69 Sports

X Games betting in Massachusetts

The popularity of the X Games is consistently on the rise, with numerous young individuals in the US considering it the most enticing international competition. Similar to the Olympics, the X Games encompass both summer and winter competitions.

In Massachusetts, just like the Olympics, it is strictly prohibited to place bets on any judged sporting events taking place at the X Games. Notable events falling under this restriction include skateboard trick competitions and freestyle snowboarding.

Events such as biking and motocross racing are permitted.

Avoid offshore sportsbooks

It is advisable to refrain from registering or placing bets on judged competitions in the Olympics and X Games if a sportsbook offers odds for them. This is because such a sportsbook is likely to be an offshore betting operator that operates beyond the regulatory jurisdiction of Massachusetts. Engaging with illegal sportsbooks can put you at risk of being defrauded and losing your money.

Furthermore, it is important to note that NCAA gymnastics competitions are ineligible for wagering due to the involvement of a judging panel in determining the outcome. Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid any platforms that may offer odds on college gymnastics.

In order to receive odds from sportsbooks, Massachusetts gaming law mandates that an event must be included in its Sports Wagering Catalog.

Massachusetts sportsbooks feature well-known sports such as football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. In addition, they offer less familiar sports like pesäpallo, floorball, futsal, and snooker, among others.

In Massachusetts, you have the opportunity to place bets on the sport of netball.

If you or someone you care about is facing challenges related to gambling, reach out to a trained specialist for free assistance at 1-800-327-5050 or visit www.mahelpline.org/problemgambling. Help is available around the clock, 24/7.