Massachusetts Retail Sports Betting Guide: MA Retail Sportsbooks May 2024

Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

Sports betting in Massachusetts has been legal since January 31, when three retail sports betting locations officially launched in the state after receiving approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

While online sportsbooks and mobile sports betting apps launched soon after on March 10, some Massachusetts sports betting users still prefer placing wagers in-person.

What is Retail Sports Betting?

Retail sports betting is in-person sports wagering; placing wagers at a physical location, as opposed to using mobile apps or online sports betting websites. Massachusetts sports betting law legalized sports wagering in late 2022 by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Retail betting was the first to launch on January 31, 2023, while mobile and online launched soon after on March 10.

The main benefit of retail sportsbooks is being able to cash bets instantly, play various casino games simultaneously, and be in an overall better atmosphere with dozens of TVs, bars, restaurants and more. The main benefit of apps and sites is the ability to claim all MA sports betting promos that operators offer new users.

Verified Offers Verified By Our Experts
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Best Choice
Caesars Sports
Best Choice
Must be 21+ to participate and present in MA. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
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Massachusetts bettors must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem in Massachusetts? Call 1-800-327-5050 to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially 24/7. Full T&Cs apply.
3
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in MA. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
4
Massachusetts bettors must be 21+ and present to place wagers in the state. Gambling problem in Massachusetts? Call 1-800-327-5050 to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially 24/7. Full Terms and Conditions Apply.
5
Massachusetts bettors must be 21+ and present to place wagers in the state. Play it smart from the start! GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234. Gambling problem in Massachusetts? Call 1-800-327-5050 to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially 24/7. Full T&Cs apply.

Retail Sports Betting Locations in Massachusetts

✅ Encore Boston HarborBoston, MA
✅ MGM SpringfieldSpringfield, MA
✅ Plainridge Park CasinoPlainville, MA
📆 Last VerifiedMay 3, 2024

Massachusetts Retail Sportbook Reviews

The experts at BetMassachusetts have provided details on all Massachusetts retail betting locations. Here's what to expect from each sportsbook:

Encore Boston Harbor Sportsbook & Casino

Located in Boston, the Encore Boston Harbor sportsbook operated by WynnBet Massachusetts has quickly become one of the most popular sports betting locations.

  • Launch Date: January 31, 2023
  • Address: 1 Broadway, Everett, MA, 02149
  • Affiliated Sportsbook: WynnBET Massachusetts
  • Website? Yes
  • App? Yes

Encore Boston Harbor Features

  • 70+ TVs and 10-foot by 123-foot video wall
  • 118 betting kiosks
  • Food options such as Shake Shack and Frank & Nick's

Table Games

Encore Boston Harbor has more than 200 tables featuring nearly all popular games, including blackjack, roulette, craps and much more. There's also a second floor gaming terrace where additional tables are spread out and surrounded by big-screen televisions. 

Slots

The casino offers over 2,700 slots including both reel slots and video slots. You will find a variety of options with popular brands, such as Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, Buffalo, 88 Fortunes and more.

Poker

One of the most popular casinos for poker. there are 24 poker tables that are open 24/7. Each table includes phone chargers and free Wi-Fi, as well as 24 large-screen TVs spread throughout the area.

Encore Boston Harbor Hotel

The Encore Boston Harbor hotel features more than 670 hotel rooms and suites. The rooms range from approximately 650 to 3,350 square feet. Wynn Resorts is well know for their hotels, as they have more Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards than any other independent company across the world.

Must be 21+ to participate and present in MA. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234

MGM Springfield Sportsbook & Casino

Operated by BetMGM Massachusetts, the MGM Springfield retail sports betting location in Springfield is a great option for sports bettors. One of the best overall Massachusetts sports betting operators, MGM provides a popular MA sports betting app, online betting site, and in-person location.

  • Launch Date: January 31, 2023
  • Address: 1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103
  • Affiliated Sportsbook: BetMGM Massachusetts
  • Website?: Yes
  • App?: Yes

MGM Springfield Features

MGM Springfield was one of the first retail Massachusetts sports betting locations to receive a license, through their partnership with BetMGM. Several Massachusetts bettors have visited this location, and even more have used the BetMGM sportsbook app.

  • 18 betting kiosks
  • 4 betting windows
  • 45-foot LED television wall featuring various sports action

Table Games

MGM Springfield features more than 100 table games including blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, pai gow and more. Most table games are available 24/7.

Slots

The casino features over 1,500 slots, and they often add new games to the mix.

Poker

With one of the best poker experiences in the state, bettors can play daily from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.

MGM Springfield Hotel

The hotel at MGM Springfield features 240 rooms with several luxury amenities. The rooms and suites range from 375 to 1,150 square feet.

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in MA. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Plainridge Park Casino & Sportsbook

Located in Plainville and operated by Barstool Sportsbook Massachusetts, Plainridge Park Casino is another popular legal sports betting option in Massachusetts.

  • Launch Date: January 31, 2023
  • Address: 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762
  • Affiliated Sportsbook: N/A*
  • Website?: Yes
  • App?: Yes

*NOTE: This sportsbook is expected to be transformed into a Massachusetts ESPN sportsbook later this year as part of Plainridge Park owner PENN Entertainment's rebrand of Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN Bet. 

Plainridge Park Casino Features

  • 18 betting kiosks and 5 betting windows
  • 20 TVs
  • Flutie's Sports Pub
  • Barstool Sports events

Table Games

Plainridge Park does not offer any table games. They hold a Category 2 gaming license, which is for slots only. While there are no live table games available, there are electronic table games across the gaming floor, including craps, blackjack, roulette and more. 

Slots

Plainridge Park Casino features more than 1,200 slot machines. They are the only casino in Massachusetts offering reel, digital and progressive slots. These include penny slots, as well as denominations up to $100. 

Racing

Plainridge Park also features horse racing for bettors. They are one of three Massachusetts horse racing tracks, and they have live harness racing running from April through November.

Plainridge Park Hotel

Plainridge Park does not have a hotel. but there are nine hotels in the area, ranging from a half-mile away to 10 miles away. 

Raynham Park Sportsbook, Casino & Racetrack

A retail sportsbook at Raynham Park is now up in question as the racetrack now searches for a new sports betting partner. Raynham Park's previous partner Caesars withdrew its application to operate retail betting at Raynham in August 2023. For now, online betting is available with Caesars Sportsbook, as is their MA sports betting app.

Prior to being partnered with Caesars, Rayham had partnered with bet365 sportsbook MA, though the operator does not have a sports betting license in Massachusetts. 

  • Launch Date: TBD
  • Address: 1958 Broadway, Raynham, MA 02767
  • Affiliated Sportsbook: TBD 

Raynham Park Features

  • Horse racing
Must be 21+ to participate and present in MA. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234

Suffolk Downs

Suffolk Downs is the only other eligible entity in Massachusetts that is eligible for a Category 2 sports betting license. However, Suffolk Downs has not notified any intention of pursuing a sportsbook license and has not operated racing since 2019. However, if Suffolk Downs does end up opting for a license, we'll have all you need to know here. 

Prospective sportsbook partners for Suffolk Downs are expected to be a limited number, given the few licensed sportsbooks in the state that do not already have retail partners. This includes the likes of Fanatics Sportsbook Massachusetts

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Are Promotions Available at Massachusetts Retail Sportsbooks?

While some promotions and bonus bets offers may be available, online sportsbooks and mobile apps typically have more options, and more value overall.

Can I Claim Online Betting Promotions Before Going to a Casino?

Yes, and it's recommended for Massachusetts bettors to do so.

Before you visit one of the retail sports betting location in Massachusetts, it's best to download the app or sign up on the website ahead of time, as you will be able to claim promotions and bonus bets.

Bet Types at Massachusetts Retail Sportsbooks

Whether you want to bet on Red Sox odds, the Patriots, Celtics or any other teams, Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino offer the same types of wagers as online sportsbooks and mobile apps. That being said, not all the same live betting options are available.

Here's what to expect:

  • Moneylines
  • Point Spreads
  • Totals (Over/Under)
  • Live Bets
  • Parlays
  • Same Game Parlays
  • Futures
  • Player Props
  • Team Props
  • Teasers
  • Round Robins
  • Alternate Lines
  • Quarter/Half Bets

Retail Sports Betting vs. Mobile & Online

There are several forms of Massachusetts sports betting. When lawmakers made sports betting legal in Massachusetts, they wanted to provide sports bettors with different ways to place bets, whether it was online sports wagering, sports betting apps, or retail sportsbooks.

While the popularity and availability of mobile and online betting have surged in the past few years, retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts are still preferred by many.

Pros & Cons of Retail Sports Betting

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere and environment of a casino and sportsbook. Here's some of the pros and cons:

  • ✅  Instant deposits and withdrawals
  • ✅  Casino games such as slots and table games
  • ✅  Bars and restaurants
  • ❌  Limited promotions
  • ❌  Inability to bet from home or on the go

Pros & Cons of Online Sports Betting

Massachusetts online sports betting is one of the most popular forms sports wagering. Before mobile sports betting apps were available, and before in-person wagering was legalized, many became familiar with online sportsbooks. Here are some of the pros and cons:

  • ✅  Ability to bet anywhere, anytime within Massachusetts state borders
  • ✅  Exclusive promos and bonuses
  • ❌  Longer withdrawal time than retail sportsbooks
  • ❌  Less versatility compared to apps; must have internet connection

Pros & Cons of Mobile Sports Betting

Sports betting apps have not been around as long as online sportsbooks, but the ability to place bets from the palm of your hand has quickly become a popular form of sports wagering.

  • ✅  Ability to bet on sports anywhere, anytime within Massachusetts state borders
  • ✅  Exclusive promos and bonuses
  • ❌  Longer withdrawal time
  • ❌  Smaller screen than online sportsbooks

Should I Download a Sports Betting App Before Going to a Retail Sportsbook?

It is highly recommended to download the app before visiting a retail location. The main reason for this is that sports betting promotions are typically limited to mobile and online sports betting users.

Should I Register For a Sports Betting Account Before Going to a Casino?

Yes, it is recommended that you register for a mobile or online sports betting account before going to a retail casino in Massachusetts. Users can sign up for an account by visiting online sportsbooks or downloading an MA sports betting app.

responsible gambling user

Responsible Gambling in Massachusetts

All Massachusetts sports betting operators support responsible gambling. Retail sportsbooks will have in-person support on hand for those who think they may have a problem. They will also provide phone numbers and other contact information, as will mobile and online sports betting operators.

For additional information, visit the Massachusetts Gaming Commission website, or call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Massachusetts Retail Sports Betting: Final Thoughts

Whether it's Massachusetts online sports betting, mobile apps, or retail locations, all forms of gambling are now legal, and Massachusetts bettors have several options. To learn more about Massachusetts sports betting apps and sites, promotions and more, be sure to visit our sportsbook reviews.

For additional Massachusetts sports betting FAQ, be sure to visit our homepage.

Massachusetts Retail Sports Betting FAQs

Author

Hunter Hewitt is the managing editor for BetMassachusetts.com. Hunter is an experienced writer and content professional in the digital media industry and sports world. He has nearly a decade of experience spanning across writing, editing, website management and various forms of marketing and sports content creation.

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