Massachusetts Online Casino Sites — Best of 2024

While the Bay State has embraced land-based casinos and online sports betting, real money online casinos remain illegal in Massachusetts. But don’t fold your hand just yet! In this guide, we explore the latest updates on legalization efforts, shed light on top-notch alternatives for casino games, and provide insights on managing your winnings responsibly.

Ready to uncover the best ways to play in Massachusetts? Let’s get started!

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Find out why Massachusetts online casinos remains illegal in 2024. 
• Discover the top-rated sweepstakes casinos and land-based casinos in Massachusetts.
• Learn about the latest news on MA online casino regulation. 

Top Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Massachusetts

Until state-regulated Massachusetts online casino sites are launched, players can play at sweepstakes casinos. These platforms offer a unique way to play the best online casino games and participate in contests.

Here are our top sweepstakes casinos for MA players:

Online Gambling in Massachusetts: An Overview

Although real-money online casinos are not legal in the state, Massachusetts offers a diverse gambling landscape, blending traditional and modern gaming options. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Gambling Type	Legal Status	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Casinos	No	Real money online casinos are illegal and unregulated in Massachusetts.	—
Retail Casinos	Yes	Legal with three operational land-based casinos: — Encore Boston Harbor — MGM Springfield — Plainridge Park Casino.	21
Sweepstakes Casinos	Yes	Operate legally using virtual currencies, offering a legal alternative to traditional online casinos.	18
Card rooms	Yes	Live poker rooms are available within licensed casinos.	21
Bingo Halls	Yes	Legal as part of charitable gaming activities.	18
Lottery	Yes	State-run with various draws and scratch-off games.	18
Horse Racing	Yes	Legal with a long-standing tradition and multiple venues.	18
Dog Racing	No	Illegal in Massachusetts since 2010 following a statewide ban.	—
Casino Cruises	Yes	Operate legally in international waters, offering a unique gaming experience at sea.	21
Sports Betting	Yes	Both online and retail sports betting are legal, with operations commencing in 2023.	21
Daily Fantasy Sports	Yes	Legal since 2016, with regulations in place to ensure fair play.	18

Want to Bet Real Money? Land-Based Casinos in Massachusetts 

Land-based casinos are legal in the Bay State, but the offering is limited to only three operational land-based locations for casino gaming:

1. MGM in Springfield: 2,550 slot machines and 120 table games
2. Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville: 1,200 games
3. Encore Boston Harbor in Everett: 2,700 slot machines

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, gambling winnings are taxed as income. So, if you win a certain amount, you are expected to pay gambling tax on both the state and federal levels. The state has a 5% tax rate on gambling winnings.

• If you win above $5,000, the casino operator will withhold the tax rate and issue you a W-2F form to fill out and document. To get the form, you’ll need to provide the casino with your personal information, like your SSN and your tax ID number.  
• If your winnings fall below $5,000, there’ll be no withholding, even though you’d need to report it. However, you’ll be required to pay the 24% federal tax on your winnings.

History of Gambling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has had a long history of gambling, dating as far back as the 1700s. At that time, gambling was being hosted by private individuals, who introduced lotteries and card games to the mix. Over the years, it expanded in Massachusetts with new laws and policies.

Let’s take a look at historical dates and events that have shaped gambling in Massachusetts:

• 1719: A new law was established to ban all lotteries in the state.
• 1745: Lotteries were legalized in Massachusetts.
• 1833: Playing the lottery was again banned in the state.
• 1934: Horse and dog racing was legalized.
• 1971: The bill to approve and legalize the lottery was signed. 
• 2011: Governor Deval Patrick signed the Expanded Gaming Act to approve the building of three land-based casinos.
• 2015: A category 3 casino opened along the Plainridge Park racing track, offering slots and electronic games. 
• 2016: Daily Fantasy Sports was legalized temporarily in the state.
• 2018: The first Las Vegas-style casino, MGM Resort in Springfield, was launched.
• 2018: The DFS bill became permanent.
• 2022: Governor Charlie Baker signed the sports betting bill into law to allow physical casinos to host online sportsbooks.
• 2023: Retail sports betting began in January, and online betting apps were approved to go live in March. 

So, What’s Next for Online Casinos in Massachusetts?

The online casino scene in Massachusetts might see significant changes soon. In August 2024, Representative David Muradian revealed plans to introduce a bill in January 2025 to legalize online casinos. If passed, this would build on the state’s success with land-based casinos and online sports betting.

While it’s an exciting step, the road to legalization is a long one. With neighbors like Connecticut and Rhode Island already offering online casinos, Massachusetts is pressured to keep pace. Could 2025 be the year the Bay State goes digital?

Stay tuned by visiting our guide to state online casino regulations!

References

1. Massachusetts Department of Revenue — Retrieved on November 21, 2024
2. Massachusetts Gaming Commission Offers Statements on New Sports Wagering Law — Retrieved on November 21, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions