Massachusetts

Is It Legal in Massachusetts?

Online casino gambling is currently illegal in Massachusetts. Residents and visitors to the state cannot play casino games such as slots, tables, games, and poker for real money. If you are keen to play any of the above games online, you can do so at social casinos like Chumba.

The current legal forms of online gambling in Massachusetts are limited. They include pari-mutuel wagering and daily fantasy sports. Residents can also participate in the state lottery where they can purchase tickets online for 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year increments.

There has been a softening towards gambling in Massachusetts in recent years. In 2011, the state passed the Expanded Gaming Act. This allowed three land-based casinos and one slots parlor to be constructed in Massachusetts. The operators of these Massachusetts casinos may be able to offer online gambling in the future.

Social Casinos in Massachusetts

Residents and visitors to the Bay State can take advantage of social casino sites that are available in most states. Games such as Big Fish, Slotomaina, Zynga, and Double Down are available via Facebook or as an app on your mobile device. Players also have the opportunity to play on the Plainridge Park casino site, which has a Play4fun network website as Penn National Gaming owns the casino. 

Social casino sites use virtual coins instead of real money. As they use a sweepstakes model, they are legal in Massachusetts. Players can choose to play some games for entertainment to pass the time, or there is the option to play for real cash jackpot prizes.

Land-Based Casinos in Massachusetts

As we mentioned above, when the Expanded Gaming Act was introduced in the state in 2011, three commercial casinos in different regions and one slots property were permitted to open. The two casinos currently active are MGM Springfield and Boston Harbor, with the slots parlor at Plainridge Park Casino. There is also a casino license in the southeastern part of the state waiting to be awarded.

Two Native American tribes have come forward with casino projects for that area, but await news.

Massachusetts Casino Properties

• MGM Springfield
• Plainridge Park
• Encore Boston Harbor

All of the above locations are open 24/7 and offer Massachusetts gambling enthusiasts plenty of classic casino action.

Possible Online Casino Games to Come to Massachusetts

If and when Massachusetts online casinos become a reality, operators will likely offer the same games that can be found in brick and mortar casinos. These will include:

Online slots: These are among the most popular online games, with many online casino sites offering hundreds of different titles. Modern technology ensures fantastic graphics and animations to keep players entertained.

Online Poker: Players could have access to a variety of cash games and tournaments. The most popular poker game played online is No-limit Texas Hold’em.

Online Blackjack: As well as traditional blackjack, players will typically find European Blackjack and Spanish 21 among other variants.

Live Dealer: The best online casinos offer live dealer games so players can experience the thrill of a casino floor from their own home. You can play blackjack and roulette as well as other classic table games.

Bonuses & Promotions at Massachusetts Casinos

Online casino sites will offer numerous bonuses to encourage players to sign up and retain existing ones. The majority of the bonus offers will have a play-through requirement where the bonus money must be wagered at least once before it can be released. Make sure you always read the terms and conditions associated with any online casino offer.

Welcome packages will be offered in different forms. One of the most common is a no deposit bonus. These are straightforward and a great way to get your bankroll off to a superb start. All that is required is to create an account, and you will receive some bonus funds, which are usually around $20 before you make your first deposit.

Another welcome bonus to look out for is a matched deposit offer. Once you make your initial deposit, the casino will match the amount up to 100%. The wagering requirements for these are typically high, so you may need to wager the bonus money numerous times before you can claim it. Some other bonuses include a reload bonus where a casino will try and encourage someone who has not played in a while and free bets, which usually come in the form of free spins to play on the slots.

Banking

Online casinos need to ensure they offer several deposit and withdrawal methods, which are fast and efficient. As and when online gambling becomes regulated in Massachusetts, all financial transactions will be safe and secure. The most common deposit and withdrawal options available at online casino sites include:

• Visa/Mastercard
• PayPal
• Neteller
• Skrill
• ACH/E-check
• Online Bank transfer
• PayNearMe at 7-Eleven
• Play+

Popular e-wallets such as PayPal and Neteller allow you to transfer money online quickly with no fees. Credit and debit card options are frequently used in other states, but that may not the case in Massachusetts. The current sports betting bill under consideration will not permit the use of credit cards to place any bets.

Massachusetts Gambling News

We will provide you with information about current legal online gambling options in Massachusetts and any expansion to current gambling laws in the future. We will update you with news of the Massachusetts state lottery, online casino developments, and more.