While Massachusetts approved real-money online sports betting in 2022, real-money online casinos are still prohibited. However, you can still enjoy playing casino games online for free at sweepstakes casinos. Read our guide to discover the best sweepstakes casinos in the state and details on legal Massachusetts gambling.
Online casinos in Massachusetts feature a variety of exciting games you can play. Whether you prefer online slot machines, table games, or anything else, you’ll be able to find lots of exciting options. Each type of game offers different experiences and unique ways to play and win.
Before you choose a game, it’s worth checking the RTP rate. This figure shows the average payout rate when playing the game over infinite rounds. In other words, it shows how fair the game is and how much you could win back over a very long period. However, random number generators (RNG) are used, making each game unique.
Gambling is legal in Massachusetts, although as it stands, real money online casinos aren’t permitted. The state has several resort casinos, while two Indian casinos are planned. The Expanded Gaming Act allows up to three casino resorts and one slot parlor to operate outside Native American land.
Massachusetts also legalized sports betting in 2022, with the first sportsbooks launching in 2023. Both online and retail sports betting are permitted in MA, with sportsbooks paying a 15% tax for in-person and 20% tax for online gross betting revenue.
Although there are no regulations for real-money online casinos, sweepstakes casinos still operate in the state. These platforms don’t allow players to wager real money directly but to play casino games for fun.
Getting started with casino gaming in Massachusetts is straightforward. You must sign up to play, which helps the site prevent fraud and underage gambling. Thankfully, creating your account is simple. Just follow these steps:
To play at an online casino, you’ll need to deposit money. If you’re playing at a sweepstakes casino, you can purchase coins used to play games and unlock prizes. To buy coins, you need to link your payment method. Here’s how it works:
Most casinos have a minimum purchase amount, which can vary depending on your payment method. Check the full payment details before you decide on a deposit method. Note that for sweepstakes casinos, it’s possible to play without spending any money at all, as you can claim daily free coins and enjoy promotions.
Most online casino platforms accept various payment methods. Before you choose a method, check the minimum and maximum limits and any potential fees or waiting times.
You must be 21 to play at a Massachusetts sweepstakes casino and be within the state’s borders. Depending on the sweepstakes casino you play at, you may need to verify your age with a photo ID.
The legal requirements are fairly relaxed at sweepstakes casinos, but you must follow some strict rules. You can join a sweepstakes casino by creating an account, which you’ll need to verify before you can begin playing.
The verification process involves clicking a link sent to your email, providing a valid US phone number, and entering the code sent to you by SMS. Sometimes, you may need to upload your ID to prove your age. You must meet the minimum gambling age of the site to play legally.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates gambling in Massachusetts. This organization is responsible for setting the rules that all casinos and sports betting companies must follow to operate legally in MA. It was founded in 2011 after the state Governor signed the Expanded Gaming Act, which legalized land-based casinos in Massachusetts.
Gambling is even better on the go, with casino apps allowing players to enjoy their favorite games anywhere. All modern online casino platforms are accessible on mobile devices, and many also offer a dedicated app. To enjoy a convenient casino experience, you should download and install the app on your device.
Many casinos have an Android app that you can download directly from the Google Play Store or the casino’s website. The following Massachusetts sweepstakes casinos have apps that are available to download and play:
If you have an iOS device such as an iPad or iPhone, you can also enjoy a variety of exciting casino apps. The following apps are available to download from the App Store and allow you to play exciting sweepstake games in MA:
After the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in 2018, Massachusetts lawmakers approved regulated sports betting in 2022. However, gambling within the state has a much longer history than this. Here are some key dates within the timeline of legal gambling:
Betting on horse and dog racing is legalized in Massachusetts, with racetracks Suffolk Downs and Wonderland Greyhound Park opening in 1935.
The Massachusetts Lottery was created, and the first draws were held, allowing MA players to participate.
The federal Indian Gaming Act allows federally recognized Indian Tribes to open and operate casinos on their land, including in Massachusetts.
The Expanded Gaming Act passes, allowing up to three casino resorts and one slot parlor to open in Massachusetts.
The first slot parlor opens at Plainridge Park Casino.
MGM Springfield opens its doors. Encore Boston Harbor opened a year later.
Massachusetts passes a law to legalize online and retail sports betting.
The first sportsbooks begin operations, with retail sportsbooks opening in January and the first online bets placed in March.
There are no legal real money online casinos in Massachusetts. Instead, you can use sweepstakes casinos to play casino games for fun. You can also exchange some currencies for real-life prizes like gift cards.
Some players join offshore casino platforms to play for real money. However, these sites are based outside the US and don’t have to follow the same laws and regulations, so registering with them is incredibly risky.
By signing up for an offshore casino, you’re not protected by any regulations, so your data could be at risk. In addition, there’s no guarantee that the site you’re using is fair. If you play at licensed and regulated US casinos, you have peace of mind that the games are fair and outcomes are random rather than predetermined.
Since the Expanded Gaming Act passed in 2011, MA has allowed up to three casino resorts and one slot parlor. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates these. The first land-based gaming operation opened in 2015.
Currently, online casinos aren’t legal in Massachusetts. However, you can play casino games for free using sweepstake casino sites.
Sweepstakes casinos welcome players from Massachusetts. These sites employ SSL encryption and other security to keep your account safe. Some may allow third-party testing to prove security to players.
You can play with top sweepstakes casinos like RealPrize, Stake.us, Hello Millions, High 5 Casino, and WOW Vegas in Massachusetts. However, there are no real money casinos in the state.
Massachusetts sweepstakes casinos operate safely in the US and use modern security systems to keep your account safe. Many sites welcome games from trustworthy developers to ensure fairness.
Some Massachusetts casinos, including sweepstakes casinos, offer bonuses and promotions for you to claim when you sign up and play. These include welcome bonuses and existing player promos like VIP programs.