Massachusetts Sports Betting: Latest News & Updates (2026)
TL;DR
Sports betting is fully legal and live in Massachusetts as of 2026. Retail sportsbooks launched in January 2023, followed by statewide mobile betting in March 2023 after passage of the 2022 sports wagering law. Adults 21 and older can place bets through licensed mobile sportsbooks or at approved casino locations while physically located in the state. In addition to traditional sportsbooks, Massachusetts players can also use sports prediction markets like Novig, which offer peer-to-peer trading with no built-in vig.
The Current State of Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Sports betting is fully legal and operational across Massachusetts. After several years of debate following the repeal of the federal sports betting ban in 2018, lawmakers passed a comprehensive sports wagering bill in August 2022. Retail sportsbooks officially opened in January 2023, and mobile betting went live statewide in March 2023.
As of 2026, adults 21 and older can legally place sports bets through licensed mobile apps or at approved retail sportsbooks, as long as they are physically located within Massachusetts at the time of the wager. The Massachusetts sports betting market is overseen by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
How Sports Betting Became Legal in Massachusetts
Years of Debate After PASPA (2018-2021)
When the federal sports betting ban was struck down in 2018, many states moved quickly. Massachusetts took a slower route.
Between 2018 and 2021, multiple sports betting bills were introduced, but none actually passed. The debate focused less on whether to legalize sports betting itself and more on how to structure the system. Lawmakers couldn’t agree over:
- How many online licenses should be issued
- Whether professional sports teams should have direct access to licenses
- How tax revenue should be distributed
- Whether to allow betting on college sports
Those disagreements delayed progress while many neighboring states moved forward.
The Breakthrough: The 2022 Sports Wagering Act
In August 2022, the legislature passed a sports wagering bill authorizing both retail and mobile betting. Charlie Baker, the governor at the time, signed the bill into law, which officially legalized sports betting statewide.
Unlike some states, Massachusetts did not require a voter referendum. The law moved forward through the standard legislative process.
Regulatory Rollout and Market Launch
After the bill passed, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission led implementation. Through late 2022 and early 2023, the commission:
- Drafted sports betting regulations
- Opened licensing applications
- Reviewed operators for approval
- Established advertising and responsible gambling rules
- Built compliance oversight systems
Retail sportsbooks launched in January 2023 and mobile sportsbooks followed quickly after in March 2023. This structure has remained steady through 2026.
What’s Legal to Bet on in Massachusetts
Massachusetts allows a wide range of betting options through licensed operators. Both mobile and retail sportsbooks can offer bets statewide, subject to regulatory rules. Massachusetts bettors have a wide variety of options including:
- Professional sports such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more
- College sports (with restrictions noted below)
- Moneylines, spreads, and totals
- Parlays and futures
- Live (in-game) betting
- Player and team prop bets
The betting menu closely resembles other large regulated states. It is important to note that college sports betting is allowed, but with guardrails.
Users can bet on college game outcomes, including Massachusetts-based schools. However, player prop bets involving individual college athletes are prohibited. This restriction is designed to protect student-athletes and reduce integrity risks.
Where You Can Place Bets in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers both mobile and retail betting. It’s important for bettors to understand the difference so they can choose the option that best suits their situation.
Mobile sportsbooks: Licensed apps allow users to place bets anywhere within Massachusetts, provided they are physically located inside state lines.
Retail sportsbooks: In-person betting is available at approved casino properties, including Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino.
Before placing a bet, it is important that users confirm the platform is licensed and approved by Massachusetts regulators.
What the Sportsbook Market Looks Like in Massachusetts
Legalization created a competitive sportsbook environment. Several national sportsbook brands operate in the state under licenses issued by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. While each operator, whether retail or mobile, offers different promotions and features, they all operate under the same general sportsbook model.
Traditional sportsbooks:
- Set their own lines and odds
- Build a house margin into each market
That built-in margin is how sportsbooks generate long-term revenue.
Why Novig Still Wins in Massachusetts
Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Novig is a peer-to-peer sports prediction market. Sportsbooks include their margin directly in the odds, but Novig operates under a different structure that removes the house from the equation. That structural difference changes how prices are formed.
What Novig Does Differently
Novig does not set fixed lines. Instead, users trade sports outcomes directly against other users. Prices move purely based on supply and demand.
Since there is no bookmaker:
- Users aren’t locked into standard sportsbook odds
- There is no built-in vig on each trade
For value-focused players, that difference makes a huge difference long-term. No-vig pricing allows users to trade at more competitive odds and pricing that more closely reflect actual probabilities.
What Massachusetts Bettors Can Do Today
As of 2026, Massachusetts offers a fully legal sports betting market. Adults 21 and older can place bets through licensed mobile sportsbooks and retail casino locations. Additionally, players who are serious about getting the best pricing can participate in sports prediction markets like Novig.
As the Massachusetts betting market evolves and grows, players should compare pricing and understand platform rules to make sure they are putting themselves in the best position to win long-term.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts allows both online and retail sports betting through state-licensed operators.
When did sports betting launch in Massachusetts?
Retail sportsbooks launched in January 2023, and mobile betting began in March 2023.
How old do you have to be to bet in Massachusetts?
You must be at least 21 years old to place a legal sports bet.
Do I have to be in Massachusetts to place a bet?
Yes. You must be physically located within Massachusetts when placing a wager.
Can you bet on college sports in Massachusetts?
Yes. College sports betting is allowed, but player prop bets involving individual college athletes are prohibited.
Is Novig legal in Massachusetts?
Yes. Novig operates as a sports prediction market rather than a licensed sportsbook. Always review in-app eligibility requirements and platform terms.
