Online Gambling in Massachusetts: A Growing Market with Fresh Sports Betting

Real-money online poker is not legal in Massachusetts. The state has not passed legislation to authorize poker platforms, and it is not a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) that allows player pool sharing between states.

Players in Massachusetts who want to play poker must visit land-based casinos like Encore Boston Harbor or MGM Springfield, where regulated poker rooms are available.

Some residents use offshore poker sites, but these platforms are unregulated, risky, and offer no legal recourse if issues arise. Until lawmakers act, online poker remains prohibited in the state.

The Massachusetts State Lottery, launched in 1972, is one of the oldest and most successful in the U.S. It offers a wide range of products, including:

• Draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions

• State-exclusive games such as Mass Cash

• Instant scratch tickets

• Keno, which is popular at bars and retail locations

Players must be 18 or older to buy lottery tickets. All sales currently take place in person at licensed retailers. Proposals to launch online ticket sales have been introduced but not passed.

Lottery revenues directly fund local aid and community programs, making it a key contributor to the state budget.

Bingo is legal in Massachusetts but only when operated by licensed charitable or nonprofit organizations. Events are typically run by churches, veterans’ groups, and community organizations as a way to raise funds.

Players must be 18 or older to participate, and all proceeds must go directly to the sponsoring nonprofit cause. The state enforces rules on prize values, event frequency, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance.

Online bingo for real money is not permitted, though residents can find free-to-play or sweepstakes-style games online.

Charitable gaming is a long-standing tradition in Massachusetts and is fully legal when run by licensed nonprofit organizations. Common formats include:

• Raffles 🎟️ – often hosted by schools, churches, and community groups

• Casino nights 🃏 – fundraising events with table games for entertainment

• Pull-tabs – paper-based instant-win tickets used by nonprofits

Participants must be 18 or older, and organizations must obtain permits from local authorities. All proceeds are required to benefit charitable or community causes, not private profit.

These events remain popular across the state, adding a social and community-driven layer to the Massachusetts gambling landscape.

Massachusetts was one of the first states to regulate DFS, passing laws in 2016 that made contests from platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel fully legal.

DFS is considered a game of skill under Massachusetts law and is not regulated in the same way as casinos or sportsbooks. Operators must, however, follow strict rules on advertising, transparency, and consumer protection.

Players must be 21 or older to enter paid contests. Available formats include salary cap games, head-to-head matchups, and guaranteed prize pool tournaments.

Thanks to clear regulation and its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, DraftKings has become a national hub for DFS activity.

Private, non-commercial social gambling is legal under limited conditions in Massachusetts. Games like home poker or friendly sports pools are permitted as long as:

• The game takes place in a private setting (not in public venues)

• All players compete on equal terms

• No rake, house cut, or organizer profit is taken

• The activity is not advertised or run as a business

This means residents can host small poker nights or office pools without breaking the law, provided no one is profiting as the “house.”

Online social casinos, where players use tokens or virtual currency with no direct cash wagering, are also legal and widely accessible.

Massachusetts is home to three major commercial casinos, all licensed under the Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 and overseen by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC):

• Encore Boston Harbor (Everett) – a luxury resort casino with slots, poker, table games, and sportsbook lounge

• MGM Springfield – full-service casino resort with gaming, entertainment, and dining

• Plainridge Park Casino – a slots parlor with harness racing and pari-mutuel betting

Casinos in Massachusetts are strictly regulated, requiring players to be 21+ with valid ID. They must comply with rigorous standards covering responsible gambling tools, surveillance, and fair play audits.

These venues not only anchor the state’s gambling market but also serve as partners for online sportsbooks, making them key players in both the retail and digital ecosystem.