Overview of Gambling in Massachusetts
Online gambling in the US is taking off at a slow pace, with only a few states fully legalising sports betting. Whilst online casino gambling in US is still way back in the shadows, for many reasons such as the economic impact on established land-based casinos. Laws have changed to permit states to make their own legislation when it comes to online gambling. But how does Massachusets stand on this?
It’s important to understand the state laws surrounding this popular activity, to ensure you don’t fall foul to fines or worse. Here is our guide on the full lowdown of online gambling in the Bay State.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Massachusetts?
Currently the only form of legal online gambling is social online casinos. Like many states, the Massachusetts gambling laws are outdated and don’t cover online gambling. This doesn’t mean that the state isn't open to the idea of online casinos and sportsbooks though.
Lawmakers are having ongoing discussions concerning online gambling bills. The first is designed to legalise DFS contests, the second proposes a broad law to make all forms of online gambling legal. At present this is stuck with a Senate Committee who are concerned with the impacts the law would make on the local economy. Things are looking promising though.
Surprisingly when compared with other states, Massachusetts only has a handful of land-based casinos. There is one legal horse race track where bets are taken using the pari-mutuel system. There are a number of charitable bingo games and one state lottery too.
Minimum Legal age to Gamble in Massachusetts
The minimum age to bet on the state lottery, horse/dog racing is 18. Players of charitable bingo games also need to be a minimum age of 18. Whilst gambling in any of the four licensed state casinos sees a minimum of age 21 applied.
Who Regulates Casinos in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates all commercial casinos within the state, as well as issuing licences. The National Indian Gaming Commission oversees all tribal gambling.
The Massachusetts Lottery is responsible for regulating all local draw games and licensed lotto outlets. Whilst the Massachusetts Attorney General's Gaming Enforcement Division regulates all other gambling in the state. Here are some news about the US online casinos:
