Massachusetts Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Massachusetts. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Massachusetts. Massachusetts legalized daily fantasy sports in 2016 and has been regulating it since.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Massachusetts is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALMassachusetts currently prohibits online casino gambling and poker under its gambling laws. However, the state allows limited forms of gambling such as the state lottery and horse racing. There is no authorized online casino or poker platform operating legally as of now.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling software or devices for personal use is not specifically prohibited, but operating or facilitating online gambling is illegal under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 271, § 6.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or distribution of online gambling services or software is illegal without state authorization.
Penalties
Violations can result in fines and imprisonment up to 2.5 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 271, § 6).
Minimum Age
21+ for all gambling activities.
Massachusetts legalized online sports betting and online casino gambling under the Expanded Gaming Act (Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2011) and subsequent regulations. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulates all forms of online gambling, including sports betting, which launched in early 2023.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of gambling devices or software for personal use is legal if licensed by the state.
Licensed Operators
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms requires a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Penalties
Unlicensed operation or participation in illegal gambling can result in fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 1 year.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Massachusetts as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to social gambling laws in recent years.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
RESTRICTEDSports betting is legal in Massachusetts. Online sports betting launched in March 2023.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. Massachusetts launched retail sports betting in January 2023 and mobile in March 2023 under Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2022. Online/mobile and retail available. Major operators include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and others. College sports betting allowed with restrictions (no bets on Massachusetts college teams).
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at licensed casinos (Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park). Operator tax rate: 20% (online) / 15% (retail).
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+