Sports Betting in Massachusetts Sports Betting

Sports Betting in Massachusetts Gets off to a Great Start

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 15 February 2023

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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Last week saw the launch of sports betting in Massachusetts, with the three commercial casinos in the state debuting their sportsbooks. According to state officials, sports betting got off to a great start with no problems experienced and VIPs placing the first bets at each of the three facilities.

Massachusetts legalized sports betting last summer, and it was decided that the three commercial casinos in the state would kick-start things with physical sports betting facilities before the launch of online sports betting. The three new sportsbooks are WynnBet Sportsbook at Encore Boston Harbor, BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield, and Barstool Sportsbook at Plainridge Park.

Everything Ran Smoothly Following the Launch

It was announced by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that everything ran smoothly following the launch of in-person sports betting, which kicked off on January 31st.

The MGC’s executive director, Karen Wells, said:

The launch of the sports wagering at the retail sites, at the three casinos, was successful. I have not heard of any issues or any problems that have come to light, either technical or otherwise.

Details were also released relating to the first big bets at each of the casinos to mark the opening of the sports betting facilities.

The former player for the New England Patriots, Julian Edelman, attended Encore for the grand opening. He came armed with a briefcase full of cash and put all $11,000 on the Boston Celtics to become NBA champions this year.

The VIPs at Springfield were hockey star Ray Bourque and Mayor Domenic Sarno. They placed the first bets at the new MGM sportsbook, but details of what they bet on and how much was wagered were not released.

Another ex-Patriots legend, Rob Ninkovich, was the VIP at Plainridge Park. While details of the amount he wagered were not provided, it is known that he bet on the Boston Bruins to win the Stanley Cup.

Looking Forward to Online Sports Betting Launch

Now that the launch of in-person sports betting has gone ahead, the state can start looking forward to the launch of online sports betting.

Many sports fans will be thrilled when this happens, as online betting has become so popular over recent years. For many, it means the chance to bet on their favorite sports and teams while also enjoying total convenience and ease.

The surge in sports betting activity that is likely to accompany the launch of online platforms means that the state can also benefit. It will mean a significant increase in tax revenues, which can then go toward funding services in Massachusetts.

Of course, sports betting operators will also benefit from the launch, with many eager to go live with their platforms. The MGC has already identified a number of online sportsbooks for online sports betting in the state. These include some of the leading names such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet, among others.

No date has been given for the launch yet, but the MGC plans to go live with online sports betting sometime in early March.