As sticking to the bet menu continues to be a challenge, six digital operators will launch wagering platforms in Massachusetts Friday, making it the 24th state to offer mobile sports betting and the second in 2023 to go live online. Retail sportsbooks in Massachusetts opened for betting on Jan. 31.
The highly anticipated digital launch comes in the middle of a host of NCAA basketball conference championships and two days before Selection Sunday, during which the March Madness field will be unveiled. While it appears highly unlikely that any Massachusetts men’s basketball teams will make the field, the event is among the biggest of the year in Las Vegas and for sportsbooks across the country.
Top Massachusetts sports betting launch offers
BetMGM Sportsbook MA
- BetMGM MA Bonus Code: HANDLE
- Up to $1,000 Back If You Lose
- Offer Credited in Bonus Bets
- Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or https://helplinema.org
FanDuel Sportsbook MA- No Promo Code Required
- Exclusive Massachusetts Offer
- Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or https://helplinema.org
Caesars Sportsbook MA- Promo Code: HANDLE1BET
- MA Offer Credited as a Bonus Bet
- Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or https://helplinema.org
WynnBET Sportsbook MA- Bonus Code: XHANDLEMA
- $20 Wager Unlocks $100 Bet Credit
- Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or https://helplinema.org
- T&C at bet.WynnBET.com. Get set before you bet – talk to GameSense first! LiveChat @ GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234.
If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling and needs support, call 1-800-327-5050 or visit https://helplinema.org to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially 24/7. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234.
Ten temporary licenses have been issued, but only six companies on Thursday got their operational permits to go live Friday. Barstool Sportsbook (Plainridge Park), BetMGM (MGM Springfield), Caesars Sportsbook (Encore Boston Harbor), DraftKings (standalone), FanDuel (standalone), and WynnBET (Encore Boston Harbor) are all offering new-customer specials in Massachusetts, both ahead of and at launch.
Digital sports betting platforms can begin taking wagers at 10 a.m. local time Friday.
Bally Bet, Betr, Betway, and Fanatics have all also gotten initial approval to launch, but each announced a delay. Executives from Betr were the most recent to push back their launch, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced the change of plans Wednesday. Betr is aiming to launch within a month, while representatives from Betway said they wouldn’t launch until 2024. Bally Bet and Fanatics appear headed toward later this spring or summer for launch.
The MGC has placed a heavy focus on strict regulation of advertising and responsible gambling, but despite that, a search of “Massachusetts sports betting” on Twitter reveals a host of wagering announcements, advertisements, and memes, as well as frustration from those in the state who aren’t interested.
The doctor said I have “Massachusetts sports book betting ad inundation depression.”
— Ryan H. Walsh (@JahHills) March 9, 2023
The state has made a bevy of resources available, so please note, if you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support, or live chat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234.
Here’s a look at some events around the state and sign-up offers for consumers.
Barstool Sportsbook
Retail location: Plainridge Park, Plainville
Opening-day plan: Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, along with Big Cat, Hank, Jersey Jerry, Elio, and Ryan Whitney, will descend on Boston for Friday’s launch and livestream on Barstool.tv and Barstool Sportsbook social media channels as they watch sports and wager through the weekend. Fans can tune in for commentary, picks, and game reactions.
Specials: New Barstool Sportsbook users in Massachusetts can get up to a $1,000 refund in sportsbook bonus cash if their first bet is a loser. Also, new users who place a bet of at least $5 can get two $50 bonus bets, one each on the Celtics to win the NBA Championship and the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup. Should either bet win, customers will be paid in sportsbook bonus cash.
BetMGM
Retail location: MGM Springfield, Springfield
Opening-day plan: None
Specials: New customers can take advantage of a First Bet Offer of up to $1,000 in bonus bets if their first bet loses.
Caesars Sportsbook
Retail location: Raynham Park, Raynham (Opening TBA)
Opening-day plan: None available
Specials: For new customers, if your first bet in Massachusetts is a loser, Caesars will award a single bonus bet that is equal to the amount of the initial wager, up to $1,500. In addition, new customers who sign up for the Caesars platform by 9:59 a.m. local time Friday receive a $25 bonus bet once wagering goes live, plus $25 per week in bonus bets for the next three weeks.
DraftKings
Retail location: None
Opening-day plan: Boston-based DraftKings will have a branded Duck Boat outside of its Boylston Street headquarters, and DraftKings co-founders Jason Robins, Matt Kalish, and Paul Lieberman, as well as former Celtic and current broadcaster Brian Scalabrine, will be on hand for a ceremonial first-bet celebration.
Specials: New customers will get $200 in bonus bets, which will be paid out as eight $25 bonus bets, and existing customers can get $100 in bonus bets, paid out in four $25 bonus bets. Bonus bets will be available for use for seven days, and no deposit is required.
FanDuel
Retail location: None
Opening-day plan: None
Specials: New customers signing up early can get $100 in bonus bets, and FanDuel is offering multiple free-to-play games with bonus bets as prizes.
WynnBET
Retail location: Encore Boston Harbor, Everett
Opening-day plan: None
Specials: New customers can get a $50 sports bonus for signing up ahead of launch, as well as a $100 bet credit for making a deposit and betting $100 or more on launch day.
