It’s the start of a new era in the state of Massachusetts after the retail sports betting market went live this morning.
As of 10:00 AM EST, the Bay State became the 34th jurisdiction in the country to go live after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the PASPA act back on May 14th, 2018.
According to authorities, the annual tax revenue for the state should range from $35 million to $60 million. The revenue stems from a 15% tax on retail bets and a 20% for any bets placed on mobile (once it launches).
How Can You Bet?
However, bettors looking to bet from the comfort of their homes will have to keep doing so with the top offshore sportbooks sites in Massachusetts, as mobile betting with U.S.-licensed sportsbooks is still not allowed in the Bay State.
Locally-regulated online platforms should go live sometime in March. The exact date has not been scheduled by the authorities yet.
This means that bettors looking to bet on the Super Bowl with local operators can only do so in person.
What Can You Bet on?
Besides most professional athletic events, bettors in Massachusetts can also bet on MVP awards, professional league drafts, special competitive events like entertainment awards, or eating contests.
Some of the prohibited events include the Summer and Winter Olympics, as well as collegiate events involving one or more teams from the state (unless in a tournament with 4+ teams).
Also, any sport or event overseen by a Russian or Belarusian governing body is not allowed.
As for the types of wagers allowed, the MGC approved the following:
- Straight bets (Moneyline, spread, totals)
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Pleasers
- Props (Game, player, team)
- In-game wagering
Where Can You Bet?
Currently, there are only 5 venues approved to take bets by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Three are located in casinos and the other two are at racetracks.
Casino Retail
- Encore Boston Harbor (WynnBet & Caesars)
- MGM Springfield (BetMGM)
- Plainridge Park (Barstool & Fanatics)
Racing Retail
- Raynham Park (Caesars)
- Suffolk Downs (BetRivers)
The MGM Springfield hosted Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque along with local political figures to place the first bets of the day.
Plainridge Park already began taking bets but will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 01:00 PM EST with former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich.
Meanwhile, Encore Boston Harbor chose 32 guests for the honor. Throughout the day, several players including Matt Damon and Ty Law will join in the activities with Julian Edelman closing off the celebration at 06:00 PM EST.
The total tax revenue for 2022, nationwide, is currently over $1.4 billion. However, this number should increase since only 27 jurisdictions have reported their final figures for last year.
Calculators
