08/17/2025
Massachusetts has a rich gambling history, from its state-run lottery to high-end land-based casinos like Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield. However, when it comes to online casinos, the legal landscape is far more restricted. While sports betting is now legal online in Massachusetts, online casino gaming remains unregulated and illegal under state law. This has led to a mix of confusion, opportunity, and gray-area participation by residents. This article explores the legal situation, the available options, the regulatory environment, and the future prospects of online casinos in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts law currently prohibits online casino gambling. This includes games such as online slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker (outside of sports-related DFS), and other classic casino offerings. The Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 paved the way for land-based casinos but explicitly avoided opening the door for online casinos.
That said, the state does allow online sports betting, which went live in March 2023. Several top operators—such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM—are licensed for sports wagering, but these platforms do not offer online casino games in Massachusetts.
Important points:
Despite the ban, many Massachusetts residents access offshore online casinos. These websites are operated outside the United States, often licensed in jurisdictions like Curaçao, Kahnawake, or Malta. Popular names include Bovada, Ignition, and Slots.lv.
While these platforms technically serve Massachusetts players, it’s important to understand:
Massachusetts regulators have, to date, taken no aggressive action to block access to these sites, but they caution players to be aware of the risks.
An alternative legal option for Massachusetts residents is social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. These platforms offer casino-style games like slots and table games, but they work with virtual currencies (Gold Coins, Sweeps Coins) rather than real money.
Examples include:
Players can often redeem Sweeps Coins winnings for cash prizes, making this a legal workaround under U.S. sweepstakes law.
Massachusetts has three major land-based casinos:
While these venues have a strong physical presence, none currently offer online casino platforms within Massachusetts due to legal restrictions. However, some (like MGM through BetMGM) are active in online sports betting and could pivot into online casinos if the law changes.
There has been growing discussion among lawmakers about expanding online gambling. With neighboring states like Connecticut and Rhode Island legalizing online casinos, pressure is mounting.
Key points in the legislative debate:
So far, no firm timeline exists, but industry insiders expect serious legislative conversations in the next 1–3 years.
For those struggling with gambling, Massachusetts has several responsible gambling resources:
Even though online casinos are not legal, residents engaging with offshore sites can still seek help through these channels.
While online casinos are not yet part of the legal gambling landscape in Massachusetts, the environment is shifting. The successful launch of online sports betting has opened the door to potential broader reforms, but for now, players must navigate a mix of offshore sites and social gaming platforms.
The future of online casinos in Massachusetts depends largely on legislative will and public opinion. If trends follow those seen in other U.S. states, it’s reasonable to expect that online casino gaming may eventually become a regulated, taxed, and safer option for residents in the coming years. Until then, Massachusetts players should stay informed, cautious, and responsible in any online gambling activities.