Massachusetts
Gambling Laws 2026

Sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, one of 36 states where it is, as of May 2026. Commercial casinos are legal, as they are in 24 states, and online casino gambling is illegal. Massachusetts has a state lottery, and card room gambling is legal.

Massachusetts was a late entrant to casino gambling but went in substantially. MGM Springfield opened in 2018 and Encore Boston Harbor opened in 2019 — the latter a $2.6 billion resort casino in Everett that is among the most expensive casino construction projects in U.S. history. Plainridge Park Casino operates as a slots-only facility. Sports betting launched for in-person wagering in January 2023 and mobile betting followed in March 2023, with 15 licensed mobile operators covering all major platforms.

The Massachusetts Lottery is one of the oldest in the country (1972) and consistently ranks among the highest in per-capita lottery ticket sales nationally. The gambling expansion has been contentious and slow-moving relative to neighboring states, reflecting a careful regulatory approach by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

For residents, the options are now solid. A major casino is accessible from most of the state. Mobile sports betting is fully operational with all major apps available. Online casino gambling remains illegal — a notable gap given that Connecticut, New Jersey, and Michigan all have legal online casino markets. Massachusetts has studied online casino expansion but has not authorized it.

MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor. Sports betting launched 2023. Very active lottery (one of highest per-capita revenues).

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Also on Massachusetts: the full Massachusetts profile covers taxes, cost of living, crime and schools, and the county map lets you compare every county in the state. For related rules, read the Massachusetts sex laws guide and the Massachusetts country music guide.