The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is providing a review of the state’s first full year as a regulated sports betting market.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5164 into law, authorizing online and retail sports wagering across the Bay State. Massachusetts went live with retail sports betting in January 2023 with online wagering going live two months later.
Since then, approximately 1.6 million sportsbook accounts have been active in Massachusetts as the state emerges as one of America’s fast-growing gaming markets.
Massachusetts generated $594.9 million in gross gaming revenue in its first full year as a regulated market with total tax revenue reaching $118.5 million.
The Bay State reported a total ticket write of $6.2 billion with $90,000 in fines levied.
Bettors in Massachusetts have access to six online sports betting operators and three retail sportsbooks. The state’s operators include BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Boston-based DraftKings. The Bay State was once home to online sportsbooks WynnBet and Betr but the operators exited the market in February.
WynnBet cited outsized marketing spend as its reason to shutter online offerings.The MGC reported more than $48.3 million in total spend by state operators. WynnBet is continuing to maintain its retail presence at Encore Boston Harbor.
Massachusetts is also showcasing strong RG efforts. The state saw 38,629 sportsbook accounts utilize play management limits with 57 voluntary sports wagering exclusions.
Super Bowl attracts Massachusetts sports bettors
Super Bowl LVIII proved to be a popular event for sports fans across Massachusetts. The Big Game, which saw the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers, generated $9 million in gross gaming revenue in Massachusetts behind 3.3 million bets placed.
The revenue from Super Bowl LVIII saw Massachusetts collect $1.3 million in taxes.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimated a record $23.1 billion wagered on Super Bowl LVIII, up from $16 billion for last year’s NFL season finale. The AGA projects approximately 67.8 million Americans place bets on the game, up 35% year-over-year.
