Gambling Laws In Massachusetts

Massachusetts has legalized and regulated certain forms of gambling, and it is considered illegal for players to gamble at venues not licensed by the state. However, it cannot be considered an exciting place for gamblers.

Massachusetts is a hard state to read. On one side of the coin they have laws that state that you can’t run a gambling house or gamble while trespassing, but trespassing isn’t defined very well, especially how the word is used today. History of Gambling in Massachusetts Massachusetts has one of the most well-documented and longest gambling histories in the States, having laid down its first legislation in 1719. Most of the developments in the gambling legislation have been due to campaign pressure or to raise funds for war efforts. Massachusetts does not have online betting sites that are located within the state, because of the laws that regulate online gambling. Although, the answer to this question is yes, because legal Massachusetts gambling sites are based out of the country and therefore are not restricted by the same laws.

This page tries to clarify certain aspects of Massachusetts gambling laws, especially the fact that Massachusetts has no law making it illegal for its residents to play at online gambling sites. Players can find licensed and reputed Massachusetts friendly online poker rooms and online casino sites on this page.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Massachusetts?

Dan Winslow did his best to introduce legalized online gaming in Massachusetts. He proposed a casino expansion bill and later attached an online gaming amendment to it. Unfortunately, the bill was passed without its amendment, as a result of which online gambling is not a legalized activity in Massachusetts. Simultaneously, the state has not created any law that criminalizes online gambling, owing to which Massachusetts players are free to play at any legal online gambling site that accepts them.

Other Interesting Articles: Is online gambling legal?

Massachusetts State Gambling Laws And Statutes

If the state hasn’t legalized and regulated any form of gambling, it is illegal and players will be penalized if caught playing unregulated and illegal games for real money. The state has a set of penalties for operators as well as individuals players. While it is not that eager to prosecute individual players, it does not tolerate anybody organizing illegal games in its territory.

The state has several decent gambling options and has even expanded its casino gaming offerings recently. The average gambler in Massachusetts can play at Indian casinos, take part in state-operated lottery games, and bet on horse racing events. Organizing gambling events and raffles to raise funds for charity is also permitted in Massachusetts.

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New England Patriots Super Bowl Gambling Guide

For all of you NFL fans looking for a New England Patriots Super Bowl Betting guide, we are here to help. The Patriots are once again in the Super Bowl and per usual, they are favored to beat the Falcons by 3 points according to most online sportsbooks. You can choose to bet on that point spread or take the moneyline which is sitting at around -160. Another intriguing line that’s out there right now is the total over/under line for Super Bowl 51. It’s currently set at 57 and a half points, which is the highest total prediction ever. It certainly makes sense as both of these teams’ offenses are as high-powered as they come. Players also have the option to make bets on outcomes within the game in the form of prop wagers. You can bet on the game in general or make your bet more specific to the Patriots or your favorite players. There are so many bets to choose from and you can find all of them at Bovada Sportsbook.

Legal Online Gambling Sites for Massachusetts Residents

Massachusetts does not offer any legal online gambling options for its residents and is not likely to legalize online gambling in the near future either. Since the state does not have any clear online gaming laws, any licensed offshore online gambling site that accepts players from Massachusetts can be considered legal. This page lists several legal poker sites, online sportsbooks, and online casinos that accept Massachusetts players.

BetOnline Sportsbook - No One Has Better Odds For Patriots And Celtics Games

Trying to figure out what the best legal site gambling for Massachusetts residents is? Why, BetOnline silly. This is the Bay Staters’ number one choice. BetOnline is an online gambling site based out of Panama City, Panama. This site offers legit online sports beting and gambling to all legal residents of the United States. This site is a fantastic source for all the virtual casino games you would want to find online. Pick from a hundred different tables playing black jack, roulette, or craps with live dealers. In addition, BetOnline offers many card rooms that host weekly and daily tournaments totaling thousands of dollars in prizes every week.

It’s safe to use online gambling sites like BetOnline. The federal government passed a piece of legislation in the 1960s called the Wire Act. This prohibited the transmitting of any information pertaining to bets and wagers over the internet by organizations, not individuals. Years later, it was construed to include the internet, but there are specific exceptions built in for the casual bettors. Don’t worry about breaking law by placing a wager with any of our gambling sites and get ready for the best legal gambling in Massachusetts. Signup Now!

Are Online Casinos Legal in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has no law stating that online casinos are illegal. Players must be warned, however, that existing Massachusetts law can be interpreted as applicable to online gaming activities. On the brighter side, the state has not penalized any resident for being a member of an online casino. There is nothing in Massachusetts gambling law to prevent Massachusetts players from playing at online casinos.

Casinos Sites that Accept Massachusetts Players

There are several legal online casinos that not only accept residents of Massachusetts, but also welcome them with breathtakingly large new player welcome bonuses. We have compiled a list of safe and secure casino sites that give top priority to responsible gaming and offer banking methods convenient for Massachusetts players. Players who sign up at these casino sites are bound to have a fun experience in a secure and licensed environment.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has some options for horse racing punters, but a major part of the sports betting industry in the state is unregulated. This leaves players with no option, but to sign up at offshore online sportsbooks.

Sportsbooks/Sports Betting Sites that Accept Massachusetts Residents

Owing to lack of proper sports betting laws in Massachusetts, punters can register at any online sportsbook that accepts them. Fortunately there are several online sportsbooks that are not only licensed and secure, but offer loads free bets and free tips. Punters can read the latest sports betting news, get top picks for free, and place informed bets.

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Is Online Poker Legal For Massachusetts Residents?

Massachusetts has no online poker laws; the state does not permit any online poker site in its jurisdiction. Although it has a set of general gaming laws, none of these laws empower the state to book individuals playing real money poker online. Under such circumstances, residents of Massachusetts can play as much online poker as they like at licensed poker sites.

Poker Sites that Accept Massachusetts Residents/Players

The poker sites listed here are the best for Massachusetts residents. Powered by sophisticated software, these poker sites accept deposits through convenient banking methods and have something for everybody, as a result of which players will find a variety of freerolls, poker tournaments with low buy-ins, high-stakes poker tables, high-speed poker variants, and opportunities innumerable to qualify for high-profile international live poker events.

Land Based Gambling Options in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a number of casinos and racinos scattered all over its surface, allowing players to not only place horse racing bets, but also wager on slot machine games and table games. In fact, each city in Massachusetts has anywhere between one and several gambling facilities.

Gloucester is considered to be the number-one city in Massachusetts for gambling, famous for a casino cruise called Ocean Club. The state’s tourism department is willing to help gamblers find their way to the best gambling facilities.

Closing Thoughts About Legal Online Gambling In Massachusetts

Though not a gambling hub, Massachusetts does not disappoint the average gambler looking for a bit of slot gaming fun. However, if players want some top poker, sports betting, or casino action, the only option left for them is to sign up at a legal online gambling site. There is nothing in the state’s gambling laws to stop players from doing so.

Massachusetts is a hard state to read.

On one side of the coin they have laws that state that you can’t run a gambling house or gamble while trespassing, but trespassing isn’t defined very well, especially how the word is used today. Online poker isn’t mentioned either, leaving it in the air as to whether or not players can legally play their favorite games online.

However, on the other side there are casinos opening in Massachusetts to generate revenue for the state. These casinos will have poker rooms.

So overall it’s very difficult for us to know 100% where the state stands. Read on below to see our best interpretations of the law.

Playing Poker Legally in Massachusetts

Is Online Poker Legal in Massachusetts?

Like most states Massachusetts doesn’t specifically mention online gambling. So you have to look at their other statutes to see if anything can be construed to mean online gambling, too.

However, the only two statutes that stuck out mention gambling via telephone and gambling devices. Gambling via telephone shouldn’t apply to poker, but only sportsbetting. The gambling device statute mentions slot machines and devices with mechanical parts and reels.

Boston Legal Casino

My point? I don’t think these statutes can be twisted to apply to online poker. On top of that it’s still possible to play online – there aren’t any poker sites that exclude players from Massachusetts. So collectively I would say that you should be ok to play online.

I still recommend talking to your local authorities and/or lawyer first, though.

What About Home Poker Games?

Home poker games aren’t mentioned in Massachusetts law either. Most states have a social games clause, whether they say that’s ok to run a home game so long as no one takes a house fee or rake, or that it’s not ok at all.

However, the only thing that Massachusetts law says is:

Chapter 271: Section 2 Gaming or betting in public conveyance or place or while trespassing in private place; arrest without warrant

Section 2 . Whoever, in a public conveyance or public place, or in a private place upon which he is trespassing, plays at cards, dice or any other game for money or other property, or bets on the sides or hands of those playing, shall forfeit not more than fifty dollars or be imprisoned for not more than three months; and whoever sets up or permits such a game shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not less than three nor more than twelve months.

The word “trespassing” must be used loosely here. In other words, so long as you are on a property that’s running a home game you risk being arrested, imprisoned and fined. The same applies to those running said games.

My opinion? I would say that home games are illegal. If you still plan to play I would recommend not taking a rake or fee (or playing in games that are charging fees) to reduce the chances of problems if your game is checked out by police.

This said, Card Player published an article a few years ago where they had an attorney examine the laws, as well as the statute above, and he said “it clearly seems to be limited to public places or private places where you’re trespassing.”

Again, it’s hard to know for sure. To be 100% certain I suggest talking to your local authorities or your attorney. Otherwise, just play at your own risk.

Do Casinos in Massachusetts Offer Poker?

Casino gambling was made legal in November 2011. However, no casinos have opened as of yet. When they do there will be poker games offered.

According to our research, licenses are expected to be issued in early 2014. Construction will follow shortly thereafter, and assuming a 9-12 month timeline, we can expect the first casino to open in Massachusetts in late 2014 or early 2015.

Massachusetts Poker FAQs

We receive a lot of questions about poker and online gambling in Massachusetts. The following are the most common questions we receive and our answers. We’ll update this section as more questions come in.

Will online poker be regulated in Massachusetts?

Eh, it’s hard to say.

On one hand, Massachusetts tried to criminalize online poker and other forms of gambling in 2010. They failed, though.

On the other hand, they have tried to pass legislation through that would legalize online gambling. One attempt was in 2011 and the other in 2012. Both attempts were withdrawn before final budgets were put into place.

And more recently, the state’s 2014 budget plan leaves room for online poker. However, the legislation will prohibit any company from being able to apply/receive a license if they offered online poker to US residents post UIGEA. That prevents sites like PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, as well as any US accepting poker today. Each license would cost $10 million.

So it appears that there is some waffling back and forth. However, with the most recent attempts to pass legislation to regulate online gambling, as well as neighboring states legalizing intrastate gambling, I would guess that Massachusetts is more likely to offer regulated poker than not.

Is there an online poker room that accepts players from Massachusetts?

Residents of Massachusetts can play online. Sites like BetOnline, Bovada and Sportsbetting Poker all accept players from this state.

What other forms of regulated gambling is offered in Massachusetts?

Para-mutual horse racing is allowed at several locations. Suffolk Downs is a popular place and will apply for a resort casino license to offer more games. A state lottery is also available.

Dog racing was prohibited in 2009.

Where can I read more about Massachusetts poker laws?

You can read more about Massachusetts laws at the following sites:

• Mass. Gaming Commision - http://massgaming.com/about/expanded-gaming-act/

Here are some interesting facts about playing poker and gambling in Massachusetts.

• Greyhound dog racing was banned in 2009.
• Dan Harrington, a WSOP bracelet winner and author of the Harrington on Holdem book series, was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1945.

Gambling Laws In Massachusetts

A study was done once with older adults in Massachusetts. They compared older adults that gambled to adults that didn’t. According to their findings, older adults that gambled reported that:

• They had better social support.
• They had lower levels of depression.
• They has higher self rated levels of health.
• They had higher cognitive functioning.

That sounds like a win for gamblers in the state of Massachusetts.

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Gambling In Massachusetts