The Rollercoaster Ride of Sports Betting in Massachusetts
Massachusetts casino earnings declined by 7.1% compared to the same period last year in February.
Take a whirlwind journey through the ever-evolving sports betting landscape in Massachusetts! Let's dive into the ups and downs the Beantown gaming scene has witnessed, with a special focus on online sportsbooks.
Monthly Mirrors:The numbers are in, and the Massachusetts Gaming Committee recently reported that, despite a slight dip in revenue, the overall gaming market remained strong. Last month, gaming revenue stood at $93.4 million, a 7.1% decline compared to February 2024's impressive $100.6 million. Encore Boston Harbor led with $59.3 million, followed by MGM Springfield at $20.9 million, and Plainridge Park Casino with a slight increase from $13.1 million to $13.2 million [1].
Wager Wars:Here's an interesting tidbit: Sportsbook wagers increased from $538.7 million to $628.2 million in February, marking a 16.6% jump [1]. And the money-making monster? Online sportsbooks! Six operators are licensed in the state, including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPNBet, Fanatics, and Fanduel. Online wagers skyrocketed to $618.6 million last month, surpassing the $526.5 million reported in February 2024 [1]. The taxable revenue followed suit, rising from $52 million to $65.3 million year-over-year [1].
Insight: Massachusetts Sports Betting Revenue in March 2025 reached $52.1 million, a 12.8% year-over-year increase, but this marked a six-month low, down from $65.6 million in February [2][4]
Insight: The handle (total amount wagered) was $772.5 million in March, representing the third-highest monthly total since the market opened [2][5]
Regulatory Remarks
- Keep an eye on the ball: A new bill, named the "Bettor Health Act," is floating around. It seeks to tighten the regulations by increasing the tax rate on online betting platforms from 20% to 51%, banning in-game advertising, and imposing daily betting limits after affordability checks [3]
Insight: Some in the gaming industry are worried that the proposed higher taxes might drive customers to unregulated platforms [3]
Looking head, the battle between public health concerns and market stability continues to shape the future of sports betting in Massachusetts. So buckle up and stay tuned for more twists and turns in the world of wagers!
- The gaming market in Massachusetts remains robust, with a slight dip in revenue to $93.4 million in the most recent month, down from $100.6 million in February 2024.
- Online sportsbooks are experiencing significant growth, with a surge in wagers from $538.7 million to $628.2 million in February, and online taxable revenue rising from $52 million to $65.3 million year-over-year.
- Six operators, including BetMGM, are currently licensed in Massachusetts for online sports betting, with wagers reaching $618.6 million last month.
- The proposed "Bettor Health Act" seeks to tighten regulations on online betting, with the potential to increase the tax rate, ban in-game advertising, and impose daily betting limits after affordability checks.
- The gaming industry is concerned that the proposed higher taxes could drive customers to unregulated platforms.
- Focusing on public health concerns and market stability, the future of sports betting in Massachusetts continues to evolve, with significant changes on the horizon for the casino-and-gambling and sports industries.
