Best Massachusetts Online Casino Sites 2024

Are Massachusetts online casino sites legal? If you live in the Bay State or are visiting, this is an important question. Over the years, the state has recorded the opening of multiple land-based casinos. That’s major progress considering the state’s gambling history.

Once upon a time, Massachusetts fully clamped down on all forms of gambling throughout the state. This strict policy changed recently with the legalization of land-based casinos and online sports betting apps. However, is online casino legal in Massachusetts as a result of the recent changes?

Come on board as we discuss the current laws concerning MA real money online casinos, sweepstakes alternatives, and the top land-based recommendations in Massachusetts.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Find out if Massachusetts online casinos are legal.
Discover the top-rated land-based casinos in Massachusetts.
Explore the world of sweepstakes casinos and the top options offered in Massachusetts.

Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has had its anti-online gambling legislation running for years. That only changed in 2023, when the state approved the use of online betting apps. So, while the state has legalized several forms of gambling, like sports, lotteries, and land-based casinos, they haven’t extended such liberty to online casinos.

Thankfully, all hope is not lost for residents of Massachusetts, as they can now try out fun alternatives to online casinos. These alternatives, also known as sweepstakes or social casinos, offer casino-style games with a unique twist of virtual currencies for bets.

Sweepstakes casinos are fun and a worthy alternative to real money online casinos, hence their increasing popularity among users.

Fact: Massachusetts is ranked 22nd for gambling friendliness in the U.S.

As you’ll see from our guide on the US states where you can play online casinos, some neighboring states already support online casinos. Check out which ones!

Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Massachusetts

Until state-regulated Massachusetts online casino sites are launched, casino players can all enjoy the Vegas-styled games that sweepstakes casinos offer. With them, you’ve got a long list of popular casino games to try out without placing real-money bets. You also get to win various prizes, making gameplay more rewarding.

To learn more about the best sweepstakes casinos available in the US, read our comprehensive guide!

Here are our top 5 options for Bay Staters in 2024.

High 5 Casino in Massachusetts

This one-of-a-kind sweepstakes online casino Massachusetts offers a seamless integration of high-quality games and smart features. On High 5 Casino, new Massachusetts players receive a welcome bonus of 250 Gold Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds.

This reward helps you try out the diverse games in the casino’s library. Plus, you can always win more by participating in the regular tournaments and giveaways the casino organizes.

High 5 Casino partners with the industry’s top-tier software developers and offers quality games with diverse themes. The casino boasts a vast gaming library of over 1,000 games.

→ If you like playing popular slot titles, the award-winning game Shadow of the Panther Infinity by High 5 Games is worth trying.

McLuck in Massachusetts

McLuck Sweepstakes Casino is legal to play in US states like Massachusetts but banned in seven others. The casino offers a sign-up reward of 7,500 Gold Coins + 2.5 free Sweepstakes Coins for free gaming.

As an active user, you’ll get the chance to spin the jackpot wheel for extra prizes. With over 500 games, McLuck offers Bay Staters the best online casino gaming experience possible.

It’s also worth mentioning that, unlike the other real money online casino Massachusetts, McLuck offers regular social media giveaways. So, running out of game coins is impossible at the casino.

→ An excellent title to try out at McLuck is Black Wolf Hold and Win by 3 Oaks Gaming, offering an impressive 2,500x max win.

Pulsz in Massachusetts

When you find a list of some of the best online casino Massachusetts, you’ll most likely find Pulsz mentioned. This distinctive social casino platform is a whole new world of fun entirely. Pulsz offers 2.3 Sweepstakes Coins (SC) and 5,000 Gold Coins (GC) to reward new players upon registration.

The casino also offers tons of unique casino-style games to choose from, so you won’t feel bored when visiting the platform. Pulsz is compatible with all mobile devices and partners with developers like Pragmatic Play, Nektan, Habanero, Booming Games, and EvoPlay Power to offer games with unique themes and concepts.

→ If you’d like to switch up from the usual slot titles, try 7 Piggies Scratchcard by Pragmatic Play, as it offers winnings of 20,000x your stake.

Stake.us in Massachusetts

Stake.us is one of the best Massachusetts online casino sites, with numerous rewards and an outstanding collection of games. For starters, the platform offers new signups of 250,000 Gold Coins and $25 worth of Sweepstakes Cash to help start their gaming journey.

The casino features a library of 1,000+ games from reputable software developers and doesn’t shy away from promotions. So, you’ll come across massive Stake Cash giveaways, bonus drops, and special tournaments. If you’re lucky, you can get a couple of free Sweepstakes Coins, which you can redeem for prizes.

→ One popular casino game you can play after signing up is Stake.us original Blue Samurai, thanks to its 96.7% RTP rate.

Sweeptastic in Massachusetts

Sweeptastic Casino is the right Sweepstakes casino to visit for generous Massachusetts online casino bonus offers. The gaming platform welcomes you with 10,000 Lucky Coins for signing up and 20,000 LC more + 4 SCs after account verification.

The casino boasts a collection of over 1,200 games from popular developers in the gaming industry. So, it’s not surprising to find top slots like Cash Pig, Money Jackpot, and Wish Granted at Sweepstastic.

The casino also makes claiming new bonus offers much easier than at other casinos. And once you become active, you’ll receive daily login bonuses of 1,000 LC, which can be used to try out numerous games.

→ To kick off your gameplay at Sweepstastic, try out Ramses Treasure, by GameArt with a jackpot feature.

Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casino in Massachusetts

If you feel the concept of sweepstakes casinos is not just your thing, or you’d rather stick to real money casino games, you can. Land-based casinos are legal in the state, so you can visit a licensed gaming resort.

Here’s a quick review of the top 3 casinos recommended in Massachusetts.

MGM in Springfield

This Springfield casino hotel was developed in 2018 and became the first resort casino in the city. MGM is located near the east bank of the Connecticut River and at the heart of the Metro Center, giving you quick access to fun locations in the city.

The 125,000-square-foot casino hosts 2,550 slot machines and 120 gaming tables. Once you become an active user of the casino, you’ll receive complimentary drinks until 4 a.m. and also be allowed to visit the VIP game area in the lobby.

The first time here, the casino is nice as well as rooms. Within walking distance of antique shops and restaurants…… I will come back.
Virginia Barriera, From Google Review

Address: One MGM Wy, Springfield, MA 01103, United States
Phone Number: +1 413-273-5000
Website: mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Review on Google: 4.0/5

Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville

Plainridge Park Casino is another casino to try out in Massachusetts. The 50,000-square-foot gambling space contains over 1,200 gaming machines and also has a live harness racing track available.

At Plainridge, high rollers can join the VIP area to play games with higher betting limits while enjoying the fun atmosphere. The resort isn’t limited to games alone, as you can visit the restaurants for a meal, enjoy the live music band, or relax at the hotel.

Love the casino and watching the horse racing, and the food court has has a great variety of food and wonderful staff throughout the whole casino. I wish they had a hotel.
Nancy Johnson, From Google Review

Address: 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762
Phone Number: +1 508-576-4500
Website: plainridgeparkcasino.com
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Review on Google: 3.7/5

Encore Boston Harbor in Everett

Are you in Everett, or do you intend to visit? Encore Boston Harbor is one location worth dropping by. This resort is located in the commercial area of the Mystic River. Beyond being known as a hotel, the resort has several attractions, including a casino.

The casino offers over 2,700 slot machines, including classic and new titles. There are also over 180 table games and a special poker room where you can participate in tournaments.

What a gorgeous casino! The service was top tier, the atmosphere was mesmerizing, and it was loud! Meaning people were having a good time!
Nicklas White, from TripAdvisor

Address: 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, United States
Phone Number: +1 857-770-7000
Website: encorebostonharbor.com
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Review on Google: 4.3 /5

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, gambling winnings are taxed as income. So, if you win a certain amount, you are expected to pay gambling tax on both the state and federal levels. The state has a 5% tax rate on gambling winnings.

If you win above $5,000, the casino operator will withhold the tax rate and issue you a W-2F form to fill out and document. To get the form, you’ll need to provide the casino with your personal information, like your SSN and your tax ID number.
If your winnings fall below $5,000, there’ll be no withholding, even though you’d need to report it. However, you’ll be required to pay the 24% federal tax on your winnings.

Other Legal Gambling Activities in Massachusetts

Although real-money Massachusetts online casino gambling has been excluded from legal options, the state still boasts several other fun and exciting gambling options.

Here are some of the gambling activities you can try out in Massachusetts:

Casino Cruises: The state of Massachusetts sure knows how to have fun, as gambling boats have been in operation since 1998. The casino cruise, also tagged “cruises to nowhere,” takes its passengers into waters where the state gambling law doesn’t apply and usually runs for many months.
Sports Betting: Sports betting in Massachusetts is only legal at retail sportsbooks. Currently, the state has seven sportsbooks operating physically at some of the casino venues.
Horse and Dog Racing: Betting on dogs and horses has been legalized in the state since 1934. However, the races are not restricted to tracks alone, as they are also held during agricultural fairs.
Lottery: State lottery is also another gambling option to consider. The Massachusetts lottery was authorized in 1745, and offers draw games and scratch cards.

Fact: Massachusetts is one of the few states to have had casino cruises for years.

History of Gambling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has had a long history of gambling, dating as far back as the 1700s. At that time, gambling was being hosted by private individuals, who introduced lotteries and card games to the mix. Over the years, it expanded in Massachusetts with new laws and policies.

Let’s take a look at historical dates and events that have shaped gambling in Massachusetts:

1719: A new law was established to ban all lotteries in the state.
1745: Lotteries were legalized in Massachusetts.
1833: Playing the lottery was again banned in the state.
1934: Horse and dog racing was legalized.
1971: The bill to approve and legalize the lottery was signed for good.
2011: Governor Deval Patrick signed the Expanded Gaming Act to approve the building of three land-based casinos.
2015: A category 3 casino was opened along the Plainridge Park racing track, offering slots and electronic games.
2016: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) was legalized temporarily in the state.
2018: The first Las Vegas-style casino, MGM Resort in Springfield, was launched.
2018: The DFS bill became permanent.
2022: Governor Charlie Baker signed the sports betting bill into law to allow physical casinos to host online sportsbooks.
2023: Retail sports betting began in January, and online betting apps were approved to go live in March.

What’s Next for Massachusetts Online Casinos?

Despite sharing borders with states like New Jersey and Connecticut with legal online casinos, Massachusetts lawmakers have refused to join the new development. So, when will Massachusetts be joining its neighbors?

Currently, the state has legalized the use of sports betting apps, and as a result, industry experts believe the state might open its online casino doors to this development soon.

For now, Massachusetts is focused solely on sports betting, and online casino gambling doesn’t seem to be a priority. This is quite obvious, as recent data from the American Gaming Association states that:

Massachusetts has made more than $127 million in tax revenue from sports betting since its launch in 2023.

With this bigger-than-expected sports betting tax revenue, the implementation of online casinos may not get the green light anytime soon.

So, Will You Bet From Massachusetts Tonight?

Based on our findings, can you play online casino in Massachusetts? No, you cannot, but you can legally participate in MA sweepstakes casinos. Since the state doesn’t support real-money gambling, they offer the best alternative, as winnings are all in prizes and virtual currencies.

So, while waiting for Bay State to legalize real money online casinos, you can make do with sweepstakes casinos or visit the land-based options. However, ensure that you practice responsible gambling.

Want to learn more about online casino gambling? Our Betting 101 section provides you with all you need to know to develop strong gameplay! Don’t miss out.