Big things are happening in Massachusetts gambling. On April 9, 2026, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) voted unanimously to reopen the application process for online sports betting licenses. This move is part of a larger conversation occurring around the Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill, which has sparked renewed interest in the industry. This is the first time new licenses have been available in over three years. On top of that, lawmakers are pushing hard to legalize online casino gaming, known as iGaming. These two developments could reshape gambling in the Bay State.
Massachusetts isn’t the only state navigating sports betting laws—Tennessee recently passed a sports betting bill with sweepstakes restrictions that highlights how states differ in regulating online wagering.”
I’ve been following Massachusetts since it legalized sports betting in 2022. The market started strong but growth has slowed. These moves could open things up in a big way. Let me explain what’s going on and what it means for you.
What Did the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Do?
The MGC unanimously voted on April 9, 2026, to reopen the application process for online sports betting licenses. This is a big deal because Massachusetts has only had seven licensed sportsbooks since the market launched in 2023.
When sports betting first went live, the MGC issued licenses to operators connected to the state’s three casinos (Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park) plus a handful of standalone online operators. Now, the commission is opening the door for new companies to apply.
This means more sportsbook options could come to Massachusetts. More competition usually means better promotions, better odds, and a better experience for bettors.
The current licensed operators include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, Betr, and WynnBET. New applicants could join this list in the coming months.
What About the iGaming Bills?
Massachusetts lawmakers are also working on two bills to legalize online casino gaming:
- House Bill 332, led by Rep. Daniel Cahill
- Senate Bill 235, introduced by Sen. Paul Feeney
Both bills would allow the state’s three casinos to partner with up to two online casino operators each. The MGC could also issue two extra licenses not tied to physical casinos. That means up to eight iGaming licenses could be available.
Each license would cost $5 million for five years. Operators would pay a 20% tax on their earnings. The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on these bills in June 2025. No vote has been scheduled yet.
DraftKings, which is headquartered in Boston, has been a vocal supporter. Their government affairs manager David Prestwood told lawmakers that “online casino gaming is already happening in Massachusetts, just not in a legal, regulated, or taxed environment.”
He estimated that iGaming could bring in up to $275 million in tax revenue per year once the market matures.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts Right Now?
Yes. Massachusetts legalized sports betting in August 2022 when Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill into law. Retail sports betting launched in January 2023, and online betting went live in March 2023.
The state charges a 20% tax on online sports betting revenue and 15% on retail. Massachusetts has seven licensed sportsbooks operating right now.
Sports betting in Massachusetts generated strong revenue in its first years, though the market has shown signs of maturing. The MGC’s decision to reopen licenses could inject new energy.
For bettors in Massachusetts, you have solid regulated options. But if you want casino-style games right now, you’ll need to look elsewhere since iGaming isn’t legal yet.
Offshore sites like Bovada, BetUS, MyBookie, and BetOnline offer both sports betting and full casino game libraries. TheOnlineCasino, BetNow, and Everygame are also available to Massachusetts residents. These sites let you play slots, table games, and live dealer games while the state works on iGaming laws.
For players who value privacy, no-KYC casino options and crypto casino platforms are worth checking out.
What Are the Concerns About iGaming?
Not everyone is excited about online casino gaming. Critics worry about job losses at brick-and-mortar casinos. A 2025 study by the Innovation Group estimated that 862 gaming jobs and 2,786 support jobs could disappear if iGaming launches.
They point to New Jersey as a warning. Casino jobs dropped 17% from 2019 to 2024 after iGaming grew.
There are also concerns about gambling addiction. Online casino games are available 24/7 from your phone. That’s very different from having to drive to a casino. Problem gambling advocates want strong protections built into any iGaming law.
Massachusetts has another cautionary tale from its own backyard. The state legalized its online lottery in July 2024, but the actual launch was delayed from fall 2025 to spring 2026 because of funding and tech issues. iGaming could face similar delays even if the bills pass.
How Does Massachusetts Compare to Neighboring States?
Massachusetts is surrounded by states at different stages of gambling expansion:
- Connecticut has had online casino gaming since October 2021. It’s earned $233 million in iGaming taxes.
- Rhode Island launched iGaming in March 2024.
- New Hampshire considered iGaming but paused.
- Maine passed an iGaming bill but needs further approval.
- New York has online sports betting but hasn’t legalized iGaming yet.
- New Jersey has been the national leader in iGaming since 2013.
Massachusetts ranked 14th nationally in casino revenue in 2024. Legalizing iGaming could move it up significantly, especially with the Boston market.
What Should You Watch Next?
Here are the key dates and developments to follow:
- New license applications — Watch for the MGC to publish application details and deadlines for new sportsbook operators.
- iGaming committee action — The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure needs to vote on HB 332 and SB 235. No date has been set.
- DraftKings lobbying — As a Boston-based company, DraftKings has a lot riding on iGaming. Their push could help move the bills forward.
- Job impact studies — Expect more debate about whether iGaming helps or hurts brick-and-mortar casino employment.
- Online lottery launch — If the state’s online lottery launch goes smoothly in 2026, it could build confidence for an iGaming rollout.
Where Can Massachusetts Residents Bet Now?
Legal sportsbooks: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, Betr, and WynnBET are all live in Massachusetts for sports betting.
Retail casinos: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park offer in-person sports betting plus traditional casino games.
Offshore options: For online casino games (not yet legal in MA), Bovada, BetUS, MyBookie, BetOnline, TheOnlineCasino, BetNow, and Everygame offer full casino experiences with crypto payment options and fast withdrawals.
Responsible Gambling
Massachusetts has strong responsible gambling protections. If you need help, call the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
The MGC also offers self-exclusion programs and responsible gaming tools on all licensed platforms. Visit our responsible gambling guide for more resources.
Massachusetts is heading into an exciting period for gambling. New sportsbook licenses and iGaming legislation could transform the market. I’ll keep tracking both developments and bring you updates as they happen.
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