Massachusetts Gambling Laws & Regulations
Massachusetts has one of the newest regulated casino markets in the United States. While gambling options in the Commonwealth were historically limited to the state lottery, horse racing, and charitable gaming, the passage of the Expanded Gaming Act in 2011 dramatically transformed the state's gambling landscape.
Today, Massachusetts is home to commercial resort casinos, a slots-only gaming facility, retail sportsbooks, and a growing mobile sports betting market. Unlike states that rely primarily on tribal gaming, Massachusetts regulates casino gambling through a commercial licensing system overseen by a dedicated gaming authority.
This guide examines the laws and regulations that govern local casinos in Massachusetts. Below, we explore the legislation that authorized casino gaming, the agencies responsible for oversight, criminal gambling offenses, sports betting regulations, and the current status of online casino gaming.
Massachusetts Laws That Govern Casino Gambling
Expanded Gaming Act (Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2011)
The Expanded Gaming Act serves as the foundation of modern casino gambling in Massachusetts. Enacted in 2011, the law authorized the development of commercial casinos and created the regulatory structure that governs gaming operations throughout the Commonwealth.
The Act established:
- Resort casino licensing
- A slots-only gaming facility license
- Licensing standards for operators and employees
- Revenue-sharing requirements
- Consumer protection measures
- Responsible gaming initiatives
Massachusetts Gambling Crimes and Enforcement
Massachusetts maintains criminal penalties for illegal gambling activities, cheating, and fraudulent conduct involving licensed gaming operations.
Who Regulates Gambling in Massachusetts?
The Expanded Gaming Act established the Massachusetts Gaming Commission as the primary regulatory authority for casino gambling and sports betting within the Commonwealth. The Commission is responsible for issuing and renewing gaming licenses, investigating applicants, conducting suitability reviews, auditing casino operations, enforcing gaming regulations, overseeing sports betting operators, and administering responsible gaming programs.
Legal Gambling Age in Massachusetts
- Casino Gambling — 21 Years Old
- Sports Betting — 21 Years Old
- Massachusetts Lottery — 18 Years Old
- Charitable Gaming — 18 Years Old
- Horse Racing and Simulcast Wagering — 18 Years Old
Is Offshore Casino Gambling Legal?
There are no state laws that expressly prohibit individuals from accessing offshore online casino websites. However, Massachusetts has not legalized or regulated online casino gambling, and offshore operators are not licensed, supervised, or approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Despite the lack of state regulation, offshore casinos have accepted players from Massachusetts for many years and have established a presence in the online gaming market. Many of these sites offer a wide range of casino games, payment methods, and promotional bonuses.
Our OnlineMassachusettsCasinos.com guide explores the gameplay options, banking features, bonus offers, and other services commonly available at established offshore casino sites, helping players better understand what to expect when choosing an online gaming platform.