Massachusetts is a sports fanatic’s country and a dream come true. However, residents of Boston are still unable to place a bet in their own state. For the most part, the state’s lawmakers are in agreement that sports betting should be legalized in Massachusetts. Last year, the House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize sports betting almost unanimously. However, a Senate committee put the legislation on hold.
Members of the House are bored of waiting for the Senate to take action. Last week, House Speaker Ronald Mariano (D-Norfolk) referred to the Senate as “stubborn” in a statement.
The Massachusetts Senate Ways and Means Committee is chaired by State Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Bristol), who has the House-approved sports betting bill in his committee. Rodrigues told the State House News Service this week that she’s “fine” with the bill but is waiting for input from industry stakeholders before moving the legislation forward in response to Mariano and others’ criticisms of the bill.
Legalized sports betting would generate significant revenue for New Jersey, which is home to a slew of professional teams and fan bases. Currently, the state regulates all forms of gambling, including commercial and tribal casinos, poker, Daily Fantasy Sports, horse racing, and the lottery.
Offshore Sportsbook
If you live in Massachusetts, you can still place bets on sports via offshore betting sites. Offshore sportsbooks are usually based outside the United States in places like Curacao and Panama as well as Europe and Canada. As a result of their location, these websites are exempt from the jurisdiction of federal and state gambling laws in the United States. Even though these sites are not regulated, there is no consumer protection for bettors.
As a result, we recommend that you only place bets on reputable sites. This can be a bit confusing, especially for beginners. That’s why it is important to check reviews of the highest rated MA sites and choose the best one. There is a wide variety of sporting events and casino games available for bettors to choose from at offshore Massachusetts gambling sites. The best NFL betting sites may come in handy if you’re a football fan as well. They also have great promotions that make wagering even more exciting.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Massachusetts has legalized daily fantasy sports, also known as DFS. It was only after the popularity of sites like FanDuel and DraftKings became clear that the state made DFS legal permanently in 2018.
How to Bet on Sports in Massachusetts?
After doing your research and reading multiple reviews, one can sign up by creating an account and filling in the details inquired in the registration form. Make sure to read the terms and conditions, make your deposit and place your bets!
Gambling Tax
The state of Massachusetts takes its gambling tax very seriously, which is unfortunate for gamblers. Even if a gambler wins money outside of Massachusetts, he or she must report it on his or her annual income tax return. In addition, even if a wager results in a net loss, the bettor must report all winnings. By wagering at one of the three licensed gambling establishments, losses can be recouped against wins.
Bettors who use an in-person sportsbook or a Massachusetts sports betting app on iOS or Android will have to pay a tax of 12.5% on their winnings, while those who use an online site or Massachusetts sports betting app will pay a tax of 15%.
Casinos on the Land
Despite the fact that Massachusetts could allow the establishment of multiple sports betting sites, the state is rather strict when it comes to land-based establishments. It was passed in 2011 that Massachusetts would allow land-based casinos to operate within the state’s borders. With that said, there are only three casinos and one slot machine parlour allowed to open in the area. As a result, there is one slot machine parlour in Massachusetts and two casinos that have been granted licences:
Located in Plainville, Plainridge Park Casino (slots)
Encore at the MGM Springfield in Springfield, Missouri In Everett, Massachusetts, there is the Boston Harbour Casino. As a reminder, none of these establishments currently feature Massachusetts sportsbooks, nor do they have a sports betting service in place.
Native American tribes also have plans to open their own casinos. Gay Head’s Wampanoag Tribe and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plan to open two casinos in the area: the Aquinnah Cliffs Casino and First Light Casino & Resort.
Horse Racing and Off-Track Betting in Massachusetts.
Until the state of Massachusetts legalized sports gambling, residents had the option of betting on horseraces. The Plainridge Racetrack, a horse racing facility in the state of Massachusetts, has been open to the public for decades. At the racebooks located in the MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor, customers can place their bets on horse races in person. Massachusetts online sports betting can also be used by punters who want to wager on horse races.
Conclusion
Sports betting is currently illegal in Massachusetts, which is a shame. Bills being considered now, however, could alter this as early as 2023. Until then, residents of Massachusetts can place bets on their favorite sporting events and teams at offshore sportsbooks.
Sumit is a tech enthusiast, streaming aficionado, and movie buff. With a knack for dissecting the latest gadgets, exploring the world of online entertainment, and analyzing cinematic experiences, Sumit offers insightful and engaging perspectives that bridge the gap between technology and entertainment.