Bovada, located in Costa Rica, is legal for all USA players. What is the reasoning behind this? Bovada is located offshore, and offshore betting sites do not have to follow US laws. At the same time, states have their own laws against specific types of gambling, which include online gambling. No, It's not illegal. Bovada is a legal, safe online sports betting site that accepts players from most US states. Bovada is one of the trusted sites for online gambling. They offer a range of activities, from sports betting to online casino. Since it is trusted and currently ranks among the best online, obviously it is LEGAL to make bets, as long as the laws of your country allow it to operate.

No, It's not illegal. Bovada is a legal, safe online sports betting site that accepts players from most US states.

If you live in a state where sports betting cannot be conducted, using an online sportsbook might be the only betting option available to you. Even if you do live in a state with land-based sports betting, leaving home to drive to a crowded casino might not be the most appealing or even viable option. Whether you live in an anti-land based sports betting state, or you just don’t feel like leaving your house to place your bets, using an online sportsbook is by far the best way to wager on your favorite teams and events. Bovada sportsbook is the only sports betting site that caters exclusively to American bettors. This site has called the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada home for more than two decades. During this time, it has become known as one of the absolutely best online sportsbooks around. Bovada sets itself apart from the competition by offering its members top of the line security features, excellent customer service, a wide variety of wagering options, speedy payouts, and incredible special features. Below, we’ll review all the pros and cons of using Bovada sportsbook, so that you can decide for yourself whether or not the book is for you.

Most bettors do not realize that Bovada is legal in most states. The fact remains that the majority of states still have the same laws in place that they did before the advent of the internet. In recent years the popularity of online sports betting has increased, but state legislators have yet to enact laws that address online sportsbooks such as Bovada. With nothing to say otherwise, it is generally safe to assume that there is nothing illegal about betting on sports with a legitimate online sportsbook. You can bet on anything that you would like because the state has not yet made any laws regarding online sports gambling.

As we mentioned, Bovada is legal in most states, but not all. There are a few states like Washington and Hawaii that have some pretty strict rules on internet gambling in all shapes and sizes. In the case of Washington, the laws are more closely aimed at operators which should put you in the clear, but Hawaii has penalties listed for even the most casual of sports bettors. The good news is that Bovada is completely legal in more than 40 states, and chances are you live in one of them!

Bovada is not regulated in the United States, but the online sports betting operator is 100% certified. The site has received the proper credentials to offer a variety of online gaming activities, such as betting on sports, to players that reside in America. Bovada ensures that the services provided meet the highest industry standards and that the sportsbook follows the same rules as any other US sportsbook. Several independent parties work together to make sure that Bovada is properly regulated.

Bovada operates offshore because the United States only offers regulated single-game sports wagering in one state (Nevada) and has not yet begun to widely regulate online sports betting. PASPA is the reason why only four states are permitted to offer sports betting, but the law does not have any mention of online sites. Unless you visit a site that is operated directly by a Vegas sportsbook, you will not find US-based online sportsbooks. In order to use a site ran by a Nevada sportsbook, you would also have to be a resident of the state. This is why offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada are so important to the US sports betting industry. Without sites like Bovada, the majority of US players would not be able to bet on their favorite sporting events.

Bovada is one of the safest online sportsbooks that US players can join. Legally, the site is able to accept to players from the USA and has been for several years. Their parent company has been around for decades, and their experience in the industry has proven that Bovada is not a fly by night operation. In the time that the site has been exclusively accepting US players, there have been very few complaints about the site. If there are any, it is only related to an email response taking more than 24 hours, a slow loading page, or some other trivial concern. There have not been any major complaints about Bovada, which is a claim that most online sportsbooks cannot make.

Safety is always the main concern for any online bettor, especially those from the United States. Bovada is one of the few sites that is safe for every level of player, from those who want to bet casually to high rollers that are betting $10,000 or more. When you use Bovada, you know that you are using a reputable site that was built on dependability and reliability. Bovada is the safest online sports betting site that you will find.

The site may not have dozens of banking options, but that is because Bovada payouts and withdrawals are the most reliable industry. Why bother offering bettors 12 different options if 10 of them are either inconvenient or not at all in demand. Being that Bovada accepts players from the US, the operator knows which banking options are the best fit. Only the most dependable, expedient, and secure deposits and payouts are offered at Bovada.

Bovada currently accepts two types of credit cards, Visa and MasterCard. Both are instant deposit options that will put money into your account immediately. Most bettors already use their credit cards for everything from airfare to utility bills, and using your card at an online sportsbook is every bit as convenient.

• Fee 4.9% Visa/ 6.9% MasterCard after first deposit
• Processing Time: Instant
• Min: $20
• Max: $1,000

Unlike credit cards, bitcoin deposits are guaranteed to be processed immediately. There are no third-party processors that you have to wait on, your funds are instantly credited to your account and available for wagering.

• Fee None
• Processing Time: Within 48 Hours
• Min: $20
• Max: $9,500

Bitcoin is the latest withdrawal method to be offered by Bovada and it is also the fastest. You can also enjoy much larger withdrawal limits when you use the reliable digital currency.

• Fee None
• Processing Time: Within 48 Hours
• Min: $20
• Max: $9,500

This withdrawal method is one of the oldest, but also quite reliable, options. Checks are a safe option and are delivered right to your front door. A signature is required at delivery for even more security.

• Fee Verify With Cashier
• Processing Time: Within 10 Business Days
• Min: $50
• Max: $3,000

Bovada’s Customer Service is unlike any other. They provide a couple of different methods to get in touch if you ever encounter problems, either through email or a toll-free telephone number. Each method is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call the number, you have to make your way through a very short automated menu, but as soon as you are directed to the department you need, you are put in touch with a friendly, efficient representative who will work with you to solve any problem. When you email, you are guaranteed to receive a response within 24 hours, but usually much sooner than that. The customer service at Bovada is above reproach.

When trying to fund your account, the go-to method is usually credit cards. Sometimes, though, this method can get declined. This is because of certain banking regulations that make it harder for payments to be processed at online gaming sites. If your credit card is declined, Bovada provided a couple of other options for its users. The first is Bitcoin, the digital currency that has quickly become many sportsbooks favorite deposit method. Bitcoin is an open source peer to peer program, which is run outside of the influence of a financial institution. This means that Bitcoin will never run into any problems with declined payments. Bovada has included a tutorial section on its homepage for players interested in learning how to use Bitcoin. This method funds your account within minutes of your deposit. The second choice that players have is just as speedy. Bettors can use prepaid cards to fund their Bovada account in place of credit cards. Prepaid cards need to be enabled to make online, overseas purchases before players try to use them to fund their accounts. Once the proper settings are adjusted on the cards, they are processed almost exactly the same way credit cards are, with just one difference. Because the funds are already on the card, a line of credit doesn’t have to be extended by a bank or financial institution. Which means you get all of the ease of using a card without the hassle of a declined payment. Bovada accepts Visa and MasterCard prepaid cards. These entities must adhere to the min and max deposit limits that credit cards have - $50 min, $900 max.

Bovada provides two different withdrawal methods for its users in US states with sports betting. The first is Bitcoin, the digital currency. With Bitcoin, you can request a withdrawal up to $9,500 every 5 days. Bovada will waive its processing fees for one withdrawal every 30 days, but any subsequent requests will come with a $50 processing fee. The other way that players can request a payout from Bovada is through a cashiers’ check. This check is processed with 24 hours of the request and can take anywhere between 3-5 business days to reach you. Checks can be made out up to $3,000 and can be requested every seven days. Just like with Bitcoin, Bovada will provide one free withdrawal every 30 days, but any subsequent withdrawals will be charged a $50 fee.

Bovada does have a mobile sports betting app and it is one of the best on the market. The mobile app mirrors the desktop version, which saves you the frustration of having to learn a completely new interface. Another time-saving feature is that you do not have to download an app from the app store. You can simply visit the site from your mobile device and be automatically redirected to the mobile betting platform. Mobile betting is compatible with iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows devices. Bet from your iPhone, iPad, Windows Surface, or any other smartphone or tablet.

Bovada does ban certain states from the site due to certain laws and regulations. Residents of MD, DE, NY, NJ, and NV are not currently accepted at Bovada. These particular states have more red-tape than others when it comes to online gambling operations. Bovada felt it would be easier to restrict bets from these specific localities rather than all 50 states.

Most likely, the laws in your state do not ban you from playing at Bovada. Bovada actually makes it quite simple for bettors to know if there are state restrictions that prevent them from being accepted at the online sportsbook. With the exception of a handful of states such as WA, HI, WI, or UT, state law does not explicitly ban you from playing at Bovada.

Bovada is one of the most trusted sites that US players can use. There is no other online sports betting site that caters to USA bettors like Bovada does. There are banking methods and customer service options that address the unique needs of bettors that reside in the 50 states. When you make a deposit or withdrawal with the sportsbook cashier, you can trust that your banking information is encrypted. While US bettors may sometimes have issues with their credit card due to the UIGEA, Bovada still has a very high credit card success rate. You can also trust that your contact information will never be sold to third-parties or be used for marketing purposes that you did not sign up for.

Is Bovada Legal

Bovada is one of the most trusted sites that US players can use. There is no other online sports betting site that caters to USA bettors like Bovada does. There are banking methods and customer service options that address the unique needs of bettors that reside in the 50 states. When you make a deposit or withdrawal with the sportsbook cashier, you can trust that your banking information is encrypted. While US bettors may sometimes have issues with their credit card due to the UIGEA, Bovada still has a very high credit card success rate. You can also trust that your contact information will never be sold to third-parties or be used for marketing purposes that you did not sign up for.

Bovada is located in Canada. The parent company, Bodog, moved its operations there in 2006. The operator may be based overseas, but they are able to offer legal gaming services to bettors all over the world.

Bovada offers an exciting horse racing betting platform for those that love to bet the ponies. There is nothing betting than horses and races, and Bovada provides all of the action you need. Bet on the Triple Crown and every other major horse racing event from one easy to use online racebook. The site also offers weekly horse bet rebates of up to 5% that puts more money back in your pockets. Get a 3% rebate on straight bets, and %5 back on exotics. Bovada also offers a mobile racebook, which allows you to bet the ponies while you are waiting in line or at the bar. The Bovada racebook provides the best odds on horses races from 80+ different tracks.

There are more than 20 different sports that you can bet on at Bovada. The bookmaker provides odds on sports that draw fans from all over the world, which means you will find popular USA sports along with the best international leagues. Even though Bovada is a sportsbook, you might be surprised to find that they offer entertainment and political betting odds for those that want to wager on categories outside of sports. Having such an eclectic mix of sports ensures that bettors will never get bored when placing bets at Bovada. Here is a list of the available sports at Bovada online sportsbook:

To prevent identity theft and protect your identity, Bovada will need your SSN. It is 100% safe to provide the online sportsbook with your social because it is no different than a typical background check for a new job. Your social security will be used for no purpose other than verifying who you are.

The betting limits at Bovada start at $1, but the maximums will vary depending on the sport and bet type. You will find the various maximum bet limits for moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, and other wager types in the tables below.

Bovada’s special features are a collection of pages that are like taking a peek into Billy Walters’ brain. All sorts of tips and strategies can be found on this site, as well as plenty of statistics and articles to help you stay on top of everything going on in the sports betting world. This book knows that placing bets is more than just a guessing game. It’s a highly thought out plan of attack. In order to successfully strategize your wagers, you need to be in the know. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to keep all of the information you might need inside your head. Instead of listening to the biased opinions of the talking heads on ESPN or Sports Center, You can just log on to Bovada and get a nonpartisan recap about all of the latest going on in the sports world.

This sportsbook’s Sports Insider section gives recaps on all of the latest games and matches in the sports world. Not only do they have football or baseball, they have articles on the latest UFC fights, WWE events, premiere league matchups, you name it, they’ve got a recap on it. These pieces not only cover what happened in the latest game, they cover how it affected the spread and what the new odds are on any upcoming events. This section really helps keep bettors informed on everything going on in the sports world, especially if you were unfortunate enough to miss out on one of the games. In addition to this great feature, Bovada provides bettors another way to make the smartest wagers: The Match Preview Feature.

The Match Preview feature allows you to see all of the upcoming games in every sport. It’s got the full details on every upcoming matchup, like the odds on the game and who is favored to win, as can be expected. But it goes beyond that by including past action of the teams, whether they were able to cover a spread, and if they had better action for those betting the over or under. It tells you if the team is coming off a loss or a win in the previous week and gives the stats on what their record is coming into this game and what might be on the line. After previewing the upcoming match, you can look at the history of the matchup. Bovada provides an in-depth history of every meeting of the two teams, who won, where they won, whether or not they have better stats as the home or away team, and the player stats of each matchup, so you can have all the information you need to place the most informed wager. Many people think it’s all about luck when you place a bet, but with Bovada, you can make your own luck by using the tools they provide to make the smartest move on the book.

Bovada sportsbook currently has a welcome bonus available for new players. When you make your first deposit, Bovada will match 50% of your deposit up to $250. This bonus credits your account with the funds immediately, so you can begin playing with the money as soon as you’re ready to wager. This bonus comes with a five-time rollover requirement, which is the lowest of any online sportsbook. They are also providing players with an unlimited refer-a-friend promotion. For every friend who signs up and deposits money into their account, you receive a free $100 put directly into your account. There is no cap on how many friends you can refer, and there is no rollover requirement to fulfill.

Most of New England can enjoy easy access to sports gambling, and Massachusetts is no different. Although land-based sports betting is not yet legal in Massachusetts, lawmakers are currently working on legislation that will change that. You can keep up with upcoming sports betting legislation using our Massachusetts sports betting bill tracker. Until then, using online outlets to bet on sports will remain legal in the Bay State.

Lawmakers from Massachusetts are supportive of a regulated sports betting market now that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) has been overturned. Because this federal law was overturned by the Supreme Court, they can now move forward and start discussing bills about legalizing and regulating sports betting in the state. Sports enthusiasts will soon have land-based options for sports betting in Massachusetts, with bookmakers offering the latest odds on the New England Patriots and all of your favorite regional, national, and international players and teams.

Of course, sports betting for Massachusetts residents still includes options like online sportsbooks and mobile apps. These websites will be more convenient than any sportsbook in Boston. Offshore sites continue to accept sports bettors from MA, with hundreds of thousands of residents using the best online sportsbooks like Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, MyBookie, BookMaker, and BetDSI every single day, all year long.

With the state slated to legalize sports betting in the future, our goal is to discuss the additional opportunities that MA sports bettors will have. Learn more about future land-based Massachusetts sportsbooks, state-licensed mobile sports betting, and online offshore sports betting sites by reading on this page.

Legal Massachusetts March Madness Betting

Players know that when big-time events like March Madness betting in Massachusetts come up, it is not a problem at all. The main thing that players here need to know are that online sportsbooks are their best option. Sites like MyBookie, Bovada, SportsBetting, and others will be here for players to check out with great betting options and also other things like betting bonuses and promotions that are always going on. Place your money on the home teams during March Madness – that’s ok, because these sites will have all of the college basketball games available for legal tournament betting fans.

Bovada - Betting Odds On All Major Sports World Wide

Massachusetts has a long and intriguing history when it comes to competitive games, with Boston being home to the Red Sox and the Celtics. We imagine that if you are reading this page, then you have some interest in the world of sports. If so, you owe it to yourself to check out Bovada, one of the most famous and most popular sites to get into the sports wagering action.

From their humble beginnings during the early years of the internet to being the best sportsbook of today, Bovada has always shown a professionalism and dedication to sports betting that few other sites can hope to achieve. Bovada is here to make sure you can get the most out of your sports betting experience.

Massachusetts is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the US and we know that if you are one of them, then you only want to use the best sportsbook that is available. Bovada is that sportsbook. You will find everything from baseball to snooker, and even entertainment and political odds. This is the pinnacle of a professional sportsbook, for professional fans. New MA members who sign up now can even get a 50% welcome bonus for up to $250 when they make their first deposit on their account.

MyBookie - Enjoy Online Sports Betting, Poker, And More

With all the online sportsbooks available, MyBookie has to be one of the better online sports betting sites up there for players. This online sportsbook gives you multiple betting options and makes it very hard to lose money. There are always different odds up that are in favor of the player. These different betting options vary from who is going to win the Super Bowl to who is going to win the Election. There are many options that players can place their wagers on which only means money can be made. Many sporting events are always going on and MyBookie is always prepared with plenty of different bets up for those who interested in making some money. This is a sure way to find a way to earn cash no only on sporting events but also other events like the election and other things. MyBookie gives you the option to bet on anything.

Promotions are another thing this online sportsbook deems as very important. Different promotions are there for both current players and new incoming players. Many promotions like the welcome bonus only help bring in more players to MyBookie. If that isn’t enough, having the option to use your mobile device to place bets is always huge when it comes to those bettors who are always on the go. Being able to access your MyBookie account while on your phone is what players need! With different player props and team props, live betting is also an amazing betting option that MyBookie has for its players. All you have to be to sign up today is 18 and older. Once you sign up, be prepared for your bankroll to increase!

SportsBetting - Place Bets On All New England Sports

The Bay State is ahead of the curve when it comes to forward thinking. It is no wonder that thousands of Massachusetts sports fans use SportsBetting every day to make money on their favorite teams. These are people that know when they have stumbled upon a great deal. Compared to sportsbooks they might find in Plainville, SportsBetting has everything that a sports bettor needs.

Not only is SportsBetting a recognized champion in the sports wagering industry, but it is also free to sign up for as long as you are over 18. SportsBetting complies with local laws and luckily, the laws in Massachusetts say you also have to be 21 to start gambling, but the casino age is 21. You might want to wait until you are 21 because of this. When you create your account at SportsBetting, don’t forget to check out the promotions page. The sportsbook has a 100% cryptocurrency bonus that will match your first deposit by up to $1000 when you use Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Dash, or Litecoin. Just use the code 100CRYPTO to redeem the offer.

If using a credit card or any other payment method, you can also claim a different 50% Welcome Bonus which will match your deposit by up to $1,000 with code SB1000. We suggest that you first deposit money using a method that is not crypto and your second deposit should be cryptocurrency. That way, you can claim both bonuses and get the most out of your deposits!

BetOnline - Mobile Betting App For Sports And Casino

If you are in one of the sportsbooks in Worcester and you are wondering if there is a place with better odds than you are being provided, then BetOnline has you covered. Not only does BetOnline let residents from the state wager on their favorite sports, but they can also get into horse racing betting in Massachusetts as well.

Want more? How about this: signing up is free as long as you are over 18. Although we do suggest you wait until you are 21 because you need to be 21 to gamble at casinos. Even though that was the case, we were just as excited when we found out about online sportsbooks in the USA, and now we use them every day. BetOnline isn’t just any old sportsbook, however. It is an executive-level business with a virtual casino, poker, horse racing, and everything else that is betting related. The options are nearly endless on BetOnline.

The BetOnline sportsbook is definitely the best part though, and you will find leading odds on all professional, semi-professional, college, and amateur leagues, teams, and events. You can even access your account with your tablet, iPhone, or another mobile device. This means you can have a world-class sportsbook on you at all times.

XBet Review - Online Casino Aside From Your Sportsbook

Xbet is a great online sportsbook that many bettors look to use at many moments. The great thing about XBet that sticks out is the promotions they have for their new and current customers. These promotions and bonuses bring in a lot of new customers and also bring back the currents. In fact, when referring your friend to join, there is also a major bonus for that as well. All games are up for betting options and most of the time there are different betting lines up to where players can choose which they would prefer to place their money on. Upsets happen all the time and this is where Xbet users can cash in big. Anything can happen in sports so placing big wagers on Xbet can result in a big win and that option is given.

Deposit options are simple as well when you can deposit person to person or using a bank card. Every sport you can think of is on Xbet. Money line and spreads stick out as they can switch daily as well when it comes to different games and sometimes this all depends on the news of a team that breaks out during the day. With Xbet updating their betting lines every day or soon as news comes out, these lines couldn't be more favorable. So make sure you take the time to create your account whether its only your laptop or on your phone. It will only take a few minutes and free money will be given soon as you are a member!

App-Based Sports Betting In Massachusetts

Many of the online sportsbooks have mobile betting sites, which are simply versions of their normal sites that are optimized for mobile use. To get to them, all you have to do is use your internet browser on your mobile device. Because Massachusetts has not legalized sports betting as of yet, this would be the only method to wager on sports from your phone. Bettors could technically visit a nearby state with online betting, but all wagers would have to be placed within that state’s lines, causing a major issue for common gamblers.

Legal College Football Betting

Our recommended sports betting sites are your one-stop-shops when it comes to legal college football betting as well, and, just as is the case with the pros, our top offshore sportsbooks have got all the best odds on Massachusetts’ favorite homegrown teams. There is a chance that when lawmakers legalize sports betting in Massachusetts, they will not allow you to wager on local college teams. That has been the trend from the other states from New England.

Whether you want betting odds for Boston College (who is always primed to be a dark horse in the ACC) or cheer on the Harvard Crimson (whose history in and impact on intercollegiate football is unmatched in the rest of the country), the best legal offshore sports betting sites have got you covered. You can even bet on college teams from all over the country, so you are not limited to colleges that are near you.

Is Bovada Illegal Reddit

Additionally, it’s worth noting that even when local sportsbooks finally open in MA, you definitely won’t always get the best college – or professional – lines there. Since big cities like Boston skew so heavily towards their own teams on the betting boards, local bookmakers have to weight (or “curve”) the lines appropriately, in order to mitigate their financial risk. This means that, most often, you’re going to get better odds and you will end up winning more money by using offshore Massachusetts sportsbooks when local MA teams are taking the field.

Fastest Online Sportsbook Deposit Methods For Massachusetts Residents

There are a number of ways to fund your offshore sports betting accounts. However, the fastest online sportsbook deposit methods for Massachusetts residents are to use credit cards, debit cards, or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others. All of these options process pretty much instantly, allowing you to place your wagers the same day you sign up.

Is Bovada Illegal

Online sportsbooks also allow other deposit methods, from cashier’s checks and money orders to bank wire transfers and the like. However, these can take 7-14 days to clear and show up in your account, so these are best for high rollers who don’t need to wager right away. If a game you want to bet on is happening later in the day, using cryptocurrencies would be the best method for you to use.

Best Online Sportsbook Payout Options For Massachusetts Residents

The best online sportsbook payout options for Massachusetts residents depend upon your personal needs. If you wish to get your money ASAP, you will need to use Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. An added benefit to using crypto for your MA sportsbook payouts is the fact that crypto transfers don’t carry any added processing fees, and they have high limits. They also have the lowest limits so new bettors don’t have to be forced into making heavy-handed wagers for MLB betting in Massachusetts.

For those without cryptocurrency accounts, MA sportsbook withdrawals can be handled via courier check, money order, or bank transfer. These carry high limits, which is good, but as with deposits, these withdrawal types can take up to two weeks before you’ll actually get any of your winnings in your hands.

Mobile Massachusetts Sports Betting Apps

In this day and age, everyone expects an iPhone app or Android app for pretty much everything. Yet there are no official apps for any of Massachusetts’ top online sportsbooks. This isn’t a knock against those service providers, however, as Apple and Google do not actually allow these companies to offer apps to US-based customers.

Nevertheless, mobile Massachusetts sports betting is available from all of the top books, as they’ve each gone the extra mile to put together streamlined, mobile-optimized web portals to make betting on the go easier than ever. All you have to do is access these online sportsbooks using your mobile device to be sent to their mobile-friendly pages. With any mobile device and a data connection, you will get updated lines, the freshest odds, and even access to live, in-game sports betting at all your favorite online bookmakers.

Live In-Game Sports Betting At Massachusetts Books

Live, in-game sports betting at Massachusetts books is a dream come true for true gambling fans in the region. Unlike traditional sports wagering, live betting (aka in-game betting) allows MA bettors to place their wagers during the games themselves. You can bet on several things such as if the next pass will be incomplete or not or who will score next in the game.

Because Internet access is so commonly available, sportsbooks now offer live betting to all their members, posting live-updating odds and shifting lines in real-time as you watch the games themselves. Just remember: Because live betting uses dynamic, always-changing odds when you see a line you like, you need to act immediately or you run the risk of missing out on a big payday. Live betting offers more opportunities to win cash and it is one of the most exciting ways you can get into the action.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Massachusetts?

When we started looking at the rules and laws of gambling in Massachusetts, we came to one fairly easy conclusion. This conclusion is that online sports gambling has not been made a crime in the state, and we can prove to you why this is a reality. Just read the definitions of “gambling” in the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 4, Section 7):

“‘Gaming’, ‘illegal gaming’ or ‘unlawful gaming’ shall include every act punishable under any law relative to lotteries, policy lotteries or policy, the buying and selling of pools or registering of bets.”

Bovada Complaints Payout

As you can clearly see, the action of placing a bet – any kind of bet – is not an unlawful act. Like the federal anti-gambling laws (the Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), the only crime is in operating or facilitating the operation of a sportsbook or gambling house. Individual bettors are 100% in the clear and will not get into any sort of legal trouble in Massachusetts.

So, while it is widely assumed that online gambling, on the whole, is a crime, especially online sports betting, this is simply not the case. You can bet on sports on the Internet without the fear of being arrested or indicted. In fact, the words “sports” is not used a single time in the applicable section of MA’s General Laws, and “Internet” is only used twice, with neither instance being in relationship to gambling or betting. There are no laws that would have you arrested for sports betting in the Bay State.

Massachusetts Sports Betting & Gambling Laws

In Massachusetts, only federal laws cover sports gambling. Though lawmakers have introduced MA SB 2273, no sports betting bill has yet to become law. If the bill does eventually get passed, it would regulate online gaming, daily fantasy sports, and online sports betting. This lack of legislation makes sports betting neither legal nor illegal. It’s only the federal laws that have made people think that betting on sports is actually a crime. After a brief explanation of each of these laws, you should find that there is nothing that makes it illegal for players to participate in the betting.

By looking at the federal laws, you will find that there are a few complications that make certain aspects of online sports gambling a crime. The first is the Wire Act, a preventative measure against organized crime. All this does is make it a crime to operate a sportsbook, not actually bet. There is the foolishly named Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which has done nothing to make it a crime to gamble online. It is more of a banking restriction for U.S. payment processors.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was a federal law that banned sports betting in nearly every state. Under the law, the only state authorized to offer single-game wagering was Nevada, hence why the state is the gambling capital of the US. In May 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the law was unconstitutional, as it violated the anti-commandeering clause of the Tenth Amendment (i.e. state’s rights), and was thus overturned. This is why Massachusetts sportsbooks are coming to the state.

Legal Gambling Age For Massachusetts Residents

Participating in online sportsbooks accepting USA players requires that you be of a certain age. Having done our research, we can tell you that this age limit is 18, which is the minimum age you must be to sign up for and wager at books like Bovada and SportsBetting and other service providers. But online sportsbooks comply with local laws on this factor. Since casinos only allow you to start using their services at 21 in Massachusetts, we suggest you wait until 21 to avoid accidental underage gambling. If you are under 18, you can face serious penalties for gambling online, at least in the financial department. Gambling underage generally leads to confiscation of your funds - not a very good thing to happen.

Once sportsbooks in Springfield and other land-based MA sportsbooks go live, of course, the legal age to wager at these lounges (and via their online components) will be 21, in accordance with the state’s standard gambling age at its casinos. This is why we suggest you wait until you are 21 for online offshore sportsbooks as well. You don’t want to end up underage gambling because you made a mistake.

Land Based Gambling In Massachusetts

Land-based gambling in Massachusetts is a growing industry. Several locations for gaming have been authorized, with slot games being the most prevalent. While there are these limited forms of gambling, there are not yet any betting locations for sports. You will have to stick to the Internet if you want to wager on sports, as this is your only option for doing so (for the time being).

All that said, Massachusetts is home to one of the most expensive development projects in recent years when it comes to Encore Boston Harbor. The casino, located in Everett, MA., features over 3,000 slot machines, over 100 table games, as well as 88 poker tables. If you’d rather get out of the state, given that Massachusetts is so close to Connecticut, MA residents can always hoof it to the Mohegan Sun and the Foxwoods Resort Casino to enjoy the full gamut of high-roller slots, table games, and high-stakes, Vegas-style poker.

Which Cities In Massachusetts Will Have A Sportsbook?

There are a few cities that will likely be home to some of the best sportsbooks in Massachusetts. Springfield sportsbooks should definitely be on your radar as the city already has MGM Springfield available. The $950 million resort casino features all types of gaming, including table games and slots. MGM operates several sportsbooks in Vegas, and their Springfield location will surely follow the same model. If MGM offers the same style of sports betting they do in Vegas, this sportsbook will be the premiere sportsbook in Massachusetts. Plainville sportsbooks may start to launch within the next few years. Plainridge Park Casino is a harness racetrack and casino that has been open for decades. The racino currently only offers slots and electronic table games, but adding the option to bet on sports would create an even more exciting betting experience.

You can also keep an eye out for Everett sportsbooks as Encore Boston Harbor opened in June of 2019. The casino could include a sports betting lounge should MA move forward with legalization. Taunton sportsbooks may also be an option as Project First Light Resort & Casino was recently awarded a casino license and could eventually apply for a sports wagering certificate. Taunton is roughly 35 miles south of Boston. There are a few other venues that may one day open and offer sports betting on their premises, including a tribal casino on the famed Martha’s Vineyard. And, of course, MA residents may someday be able to wager at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort casinos, which are both just over an hour’s drive from the heart of Boston.

FAQ About Online Sports Betting In Massachusetts

1) How is online sports betting legal if it is not authorized?

Is Bovada Illegal In Illinois

There is no law making it a crime to bet on sports or to wager over the Internet, so online sports betting is a legal activity. The absence of laws does not mean that it is illegal to sports bet.

2) Why would it be criminalized to run a sportsbook but not to bet with one?

Most illegal gambling rings in the past were operated by criminals engaged in organized crime and racketeering. This is why the laws are written in the way that they are, to catch illegal sportsbooks operators.

3) Is Bovada legal in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts residents can safely and legally play through Bovada's sportsbook, casino, and poker room.

4) Could gambling expansion bring live sportsbooks to Massachusetts?

Yes. Without PASPA imposing restrictions, Massachusetts sportsbooks are now possible. The state is currently working on expanding their gambling options, with the regulation of live sports betting the top priority.

5) Do I have to pay anything to join these sportsbooks?

No. It is free to join, but you do have to deposit money into your account in order to actually bet.

6) Are Massachusetts gambling laws hosted online?

Yes. You can find all of MA’s gambling laws here.

7) Are credit cards functional for deposits into these betting sites?

Yes. You can easily deposit into your gambling site with a credit card or debit card.

8) What happens if my credit card is rejected?

You will sometimes encounter this due to banking restrictions. You can try to deposit again at a later time or call customer service, as they can sometimes use a different payment processor. Another alternative is to try another funding method, such as Bitcoin or other altcoins, which are 100% reliable.

9) I have heard that some sportsbooks impose low betting limits to successful winners, is this true?

Some sportsbooks do limit bets to certain players, but we have never heard of it through our preferred betting sites. That just another reason why you should only wager at our suggested online offshore sportsbooks because they are reliable, well-respected sportsbooks.

10) Has anyone in Massachusetts ever been arrested for gambling online?

No. We have not seen any record of anyone being arrested for online sports betting in Massachusetts. The chances of you being arrested for sports betting is extremely unlikely.