Massachusetts' sports betting income surged by 34% year-on-year in April
Sports betting was legalized in Massachusetts in August 2022, with retail sportsbooks launching on January 31, 2023, and online betting starting in March of the same year [1][2]. Since then, the industry has been growing steadily, with various operators vying for a piece of the market.
Financial Performance
In June 2025, the sports betting revenue reached an impressive $62.05 million, part of a larger monthly handle of approximately $532.7 million [2]. The state experienced a significant year-over-year increase in revenue, with a record $94.4 million in January 2025 [1].
Since the inception of sports wagering, Massachusetts has collected roughly $306.47 million in taxes and assessments from licensed operators [1].
Top Performing Operators
While specific performance data for individual operators is not detailed in the latest reports, companies like FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, and Unibet are among the well-known operators in Massachusetts, with aggressive marketing strategies [1]. However, their actual performance metrics are not provided in recent updates.
In April, DraftKings held the top position among online operators with a $343 million handle, a 12.7% year-over-year increase, and a highest hold of 11.26% [3]. Other notable performances include FanDuel, which came in second with a $185.9 million handle and a 9.9% hold [3]. BetMGM and Fanatics had the third and fourth positions with $55.1 million and $49.3 million in handles, respectively [3].
However, not all operators have been successful. For instance, MGM Springfield posted $1.6 million in handle but failed to generate any revenue [3].
Regulatory Environment
College sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, but there are restrictions on betting on in-state college teams unless they are part of a tournament with four or more teams [3].
Sports wagering is taxed at 15% for Category 1 and Category 2 operators (casinos and racetracks) and 20% for Category 3 operators (online/mobile operators) [2].
There has been a noted increase in problem gambling behaviors among regular players since the legalization of sports betting [4].
Economic Impact
The online sports betting industry has primarily contributed to Massachusetts through tax revenue, with $90.8 million generated in 2023 [5]. While it has created some jobs, the overall impact on the state's economy remains limited compared to other sectors [5].
In the retail market, Encore Boston Harbor led with $4.9 million in bets and a 7.8% hold [3]. Caesars posted the lowest hold among online sportsbooks at 3.56% from $21.1 million in wagers [3]. Retail sportsbooks saw weaker numbers, with a total handle of $9.7 million and an average win rate of 5.2% [3].
Despite the challenges, the sports betting industry in Massachusetts continues to grow, offering exciting opportunities for both operators and bettors alike.
[1]: [Link to source 1] [2]: [Link to source 2] [3]: [Link to source 3] [4]: [Link to source 4] [5]: [Link to source 5]
- The sports betting industry in Massachusetts has been growing steadily since its legalization in August 2022, with an impressive $62.05 million in revenue in June 2025 alone.
- Companies like FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, Unibet, DraftKings, and others are among the well-known operators in Massachusetts, although specific performance data is not fully detailed in recent reports.
- In April, DraftKings held the top position among online operators with a $343 million handle and a highest hold of 11.26%, while FanDuel came in second with a $185.9 million handle and a 9.9% hold.
- College sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, but there are restrictions on betting on in-state college teams unless they are part of a tournament with four or more teams.
- The online sports betting industry has primarily contributed to Massachusetts through tax revenue, generating $90.8 million in 2023, while the overall economic impact remains limited compared to other sectors.
- There has been a noted increase in problem gambling behaviors among regular players since the legalization of sports betting, highlighting the need for responsible gambling initiatives.
