Massachusetts Online Casinos

The Old Bay State played its part in America’s history — think Paul Revere and the Boston Tea Party. Even though Massachusetts’ history is full of revolutions and libertarianism, its approach to gambling is somewhat conservative.

Massachusetts was constantly lagging behind when it came to legalizing gambling activities. However, that has slowly started to change in recent years. This change started with Massachusetts legalizing and opening land-based gambling establishments.

In this article, we will guide you through all the key aspects regarding gambling in Massachusetts — the legality of online gambling and daily fantasy sports, brick-and-mortar casino options, other types of permitted gambling, and the future of online gambling.

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Is Online Gambling Legal in Massachusetts?

Unfortunately, it isn’t. The state of Massachusetts forbids online gambling and penalizes its residents who gamble on the web. In essence, anyone who either loses or wins $5 or more can face a potential punishment and be forced to pay double what they’ve won. This means that any bet over $5 is illegal. Moreover, all kinds of unpermitted gambling in public locations are also illegal.

Note that there is no recorded instance of an individual acting in their private capacity who faced prosecution for gambling over the web. Although, when it comes to unauthorized poker sessions and sports betting, some individuals were prosecuted for operating and participating in them.

However, even though no one was punished for online gambling, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you. Before you decide to gamble online, always ask for a lawyer’s opinion on the matter. Otherwise, you could face prosecution.

Currently, no online gambling options exist in Massachusetts. The Codfish State did think about making legal web-based iGaming platforms and following in other states’ footsteps when it comes to online gambling. However, no law regarding online gambling was passed, so the residents of Massachusetts don’t have any options for playing casino games online.

Are Offshore Casinos Legal in Massachusetts?

You could join offshore websites to gamble online. These casinos often have licenses from reputable gaming jurisdictions, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, which makes them trustworthy and safe. In addition, many legitimate offshore casinos have clearly defined guidelines that ensure a fair and safe gaming environment.

However, this doesn’t mean that Massachusetts’ authorities couldn’t prosecute its residents for gambling and joining offshore online gambling establishments. Just to be sure, always contact a Massachusetts-based lawyer and ask for their opinion on the matter.

Future of Online Gambling in Massachusetts

Currently, the Codfish State is evaluating an attractive bill that could permit land-based and internet-based sports betting. The bill would even allow sports betting outside live gambling establishments. Of course, anyone interested in running such businesses will have to obtain specific authorization first.

Although there was some progress on legalizing online poker and casino games, the Old Bay State is currently only focused on sports legislation. However, if such a bill was passed, it is possible that other types of gambling will follow.

Even though Massachusetts is conservative when it comes to gambling, it did open its first live gambling establishments in recent years. Massachusetts has also permitted daily fantasy sports betting. If we take these facts into account, it is possible that we will see new online gambling bills in the next couple of years.

A law that was supposed to permit internet-based lottery was almost passed in 2017 and was put to vote the following year again. Therefore, it won’t be a surprise if Massachusetts begins to legalize internet gambling in the near future. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission spoke about exploring the matter further, and the Massachusetts State Lottery gave the same statement as well.

Brick-and-Mortar Gambling Establishments in Massachusetts

You can find several land-based gambling establishments in the Old Bay State. Unfortunately, there are currently no Indian casinos. However, Aquinnah Indians acquired the rights to build a bingo establishment that will also offer digital bingo games.

Plainridge Park Casino

This gambling establishment doesn’t offer accommodation at its own property but has partnered up with neighboring hotels so its customers can stay there at reduced prices.

Plainridge Park Casino offers over 1000 slot games with bets ranging from a couple of cents to $100. Even though there aren’t any live casino games, you can enjoy digital variations of craps, roulette, as well as blackjack.

MGM Springfield

This quite large gambling establishment is owned by MGM Resorts. MGM Springfield started working in 2018 and it sports over 120,000 square feet of casino space. The casino has more than 150 accommodation units in the form of suites and guest rooms. Other facilities at the property include a gym, pool, and spa available to hotel guests. There are also cinemas, shops, and a bowling alley.

You can find over 2,500 video poker, video keno, and slot games. Besides this vast array of machines, MGM Springfield lets you enjoy over 110 table games including craps, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, Pai-Gow, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em, Three-Card Poker, Big 6 Wheel, Four-Card Poker, and Let It Ride. There is also a poker room with 22 tables.

Encore Boston Harbor

Encore Boston Harbor opened in June last year. The casino offers over 160 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. You can play these games at ultra-modern tables with superb service.

Of course, this is not all. You can also enjoy over 2,750 slot games, from traditional titles to automated and the hottest ones. In addition, Encore Boston Harbor has a luxurious poker chamber that includes 70+ exclusive poker tables.

Other Gambling Options in Massachusetts

You can also enjoy exclusive horse racing in Massachusetts at three different places: Three County Fair, Plainridge Racecourse, and Suffolk Downs. Dog racing used to be present in Massachusetts too. Unfortunately, it is no longer available due to the Greyhound Protection Act that was passed in 2010.

Finally, there is also a state-owned lottery that was created in 1971. Twenty-five years later, it joined five other state-sponsored lotteries, creating a multi-state lottery that later became the famous Mega Millions.

FAQ

Unfortunately, they aren’t. The state of Massachusetts forbids online gambling and can prosecute its residents for it.

Massachusetts’ law directly prohibits playing in offshore casinos. If you’re still considering joining an online casino, we advise that you talk to a lawyer before making a decision.

You have to be 18 or older to play bingo, the lottery, and bet on horse racing. When it comes to playing casino games, you have to be at least 21.

Unfortunately, online poker isn’t legal in Massachusetts at the moment.

Massachusetts was one of the first states that legalized daily fantasy sports gambling, which leads us to believe that maybe some other types of online gambling will become legal in the future too.