Massachusetts Casinos

Jane Shaw By Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US Updated: January 16, 2024
Jane Shaw Jane Shaw Editor at Casinos.US See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert. Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

Massachusetts Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations

Massachusetts Casino Map

The Best Casino in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Best Casinos

The Biggest Casinos in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Biggest Casino

Are There Indian Casinos in Massachusetts?

Indian casinos are defined as gambling establishments that are built on tribal land, and there are 501 such entities located throughout the US. However, none of these are based in Massachusetts, so you’ll have to connect yourself with the state’s two commercial resorts and single racino.

Racinos

Put simply, a racino is a combined racetrack and casino, and one that often hosts live events and on-track betting. Plainridge Park is the sole racino located in Massachusetts, with this offering a genuinely immersive wagering experience and one exciting night out!

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Massachusetts?

Riverboat or cruise ship casinos are gambling establishments that are based on the waterfront, and while there are more than 60 in North America, these are confined to six US states. This number doesn’t include Massachusetts, with Indiana the closest state to have one or more riverboat casinos.

Full Massachusetts Casino List

Choose a City
Choose a Type
All Casinos in Boston
Encore Boston Harbor 1 Broadway, Boston, 02149 Commercial
Plainridge Park 301 Washington St, Plainville, 02762 Racinos
All Casinos in Springfield
MGM Springfield One MGM Way, Springfield, 01103 Commercial
 

Expected New Casinos

Aquinnah and Taunton are expected to join the ranks of gambling towns in Massachusetts, with the state’s two federally recognized native trades having earned planning permission to build facilities for gambling in Massachusetts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. These are expected to open before the end of 2021.

Gambling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Gambling Topics Gambling Facts for Massachusetts
Number of Casinos 3
Casino Types Commercial, Racino
Casino Games Offered Slots, Table Games, Poker tables, Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments, Dice Games, Lottery Games, Electronic Craps, On-track Horse Betting,
Age 21+ to bet with cash,
Smoking Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external smoking areas in each Massachusetts casino
Drinking Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served
Opening Hours
24/7 , Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
Betting Limit A minimum bet level of $0.01
Taxation of Winnings Yes/No, for additional details click here

Casino Games in Massachusetts

As we’ve already touched on, individual states operate differently and there are constantly changing gambling laws. In this section, we’ll look at the precise range of games that are permitted in the state, while providing any additional details that may be of interest.

Slot
  • Colossal Wizards
  • Li’l Red
  • Spartacus Gladiator of Rome
  • Forbidden Dragons
  • Queen of the Wild II
  • Lazer Lock Ice Sapphire
  • 6930+ Slot Machines
  • Types: Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker Free Slot Tournaments
  • Slot Providers: Igt, WMS Gaming
Casino Poker
  • Let it Ride
  • Flop Poker
  • Limit Hold ‘em
  • No Limit Hold’ em

Additional DetailsThere are 111 poker tables in Massachusetts, but none are located at the Plainridge Park racino

Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments
  • Crazy 4 Poke
  • Fortune Pai Gow
  • Sharp Shooter
  • Razz
  • Limit Hold ‘em
  • NL Hold ‘em
Roulette
  • American Roulette
  • European Roulette

Additional DetailsFrench roulette isn’t available in Massachusetts

Blackjack
  • Any 2 Card Blackjack
  • Spanish 21
  • Hand-Held Deck
  • Shoe Game
  • Single Deck
  • Double Deck

Additional DetailsYou Can Do Side Bets: Match The Dealer 21+3, Dealer must stand on a soft 17

Dice Games
  • Craps, Sic Bo
  • Hazard
  • Chuck-A-Luck
Lottery Games
  • Keno
  • 75 Ball Bingo
  • 90 Ball Bingo
  • Daily Lotto Draws
  • Mini Lottos
  • Scratchers
Other Games
  • Electronic Craps
  • Electronic Blackjack
  • Electronic Roulette
  • Electronic 3-Card Poker
Sports Betting
  • Sports betting is not currently legal in Massachusetts.

Gambling Legal Situation in Massachusetts

When was casino gambling legalized in Massachusetts?
Under the state’s Expanded Gaming Act of 2011, Massachusetts was permitted to open up to three commercial casinos resorts and one slot parlor (which is in place at Plainridge Park).
Online gambling
While Massachusetts has yet to legalise online gambling and sports betting, a number of potential bills are currently being discussed in the state senate.
What is the legal gambling age in Massachusetts?
The legal gambling age in Massachusetts is fixed at 21, and this also applies when wagering at brick-and-mortar casinos.
Can you smoke in Massachusetts Casinos?
While smoking is prohibited on site at Massachusetts casinos, each resort has designated outdoor areas where this is permitted.
Horse racing / Off-Track betting
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is allowed on-track at Plainridge Racecourse (and the smaller Suffolk Downs), but off-track betting remains prohibited.
Dog racing / Off-Track betting
The same rule applies to dog racing in Massachusetts, with on-track betting allowed at Raynham Park. Once again, however, off-track dog race betting is prohibited.
Massachusetts Charitable gaming
Licensed non-profit organisations are allowed to operate certain games for the purpose of fundraising, including bridge, whist, bingo and raffles.
Other legal restrictions
Other than the restrictions already stated, there are no other legal considerations for players when wagering in Massachusetts.

Taxation of Winnings

In addition to the gambling Federal tax rate of 24%, winnings in Massachusetts are also subject to a state levy of between 25% and 49%. The former applies to ‘Category 1’ commercial locations in Everett and Springfield, and the ‘Category 2’ racino at Plainridge Park.

Prize ($) Category 1 (Commercial Casino) winnings (any prize) Massachusetts Gross Income Tax (%)24 Federal tax + 25 state levy
Prize ($) Category 2 (Slot Parlor and Racino) winnings (any prize) Massachusetts Gross Income Tax (%)24 Federal tax + 49 state levy

Massachusetts Gambling Laws

History

Historically, Massachusetts has a long history of rebellion and individualism, as the home of the Boston Tea Party and the pioneering industrialist Paul Revere. So, while it may have taken longer than expected to come to the commercial casino party, it has a longstanding history of horse racing and state lotteries.

Massachusetts history image
history-massachusetts-img2.jpg The Plainridge Park racino opened up in March 1999 while the site’s slot parlor was installed in 2011. The state’s first commercial casino (MGM) opened its doors for real in 2018.
history-massachusetts-img3.jpg
  • 1719 – 1934 While private lotteries were common in the state throughout colonial history, these entities were banned in 1719 following a shift in public opinion. Several primitive state lotteries were then commissioned between 1749 and 1761, before a new and comprehensive ban was issued in 1833 (this would last for 138 years).

  • 1934 – 2011 On-track pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing was officially legalised in 1934, and this market has grown from strength-to-strength with the development of Plainridge Park and other racecourses throughout the state. In 1971, the modern state lottery was conceived and passed into law, with the first ever draw taking place early in 1972.

  • 2011 – present In 2011, the Extended Gaming Act was passed by state authorities, allowing for the creation of three casino resorts and slot parlor at Plainridge Park. The MGM and Encore Boston Harbor sites opened their doors in 2018 and 2019 respectively, while two Indian casinos (which will be operated by the state’s two recognized trades) now have planning permission and will open in the near-term.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

As we’ve already touched on, two new Indian casinos will be developed and opened soon. Similarly, a third commercial casino license is available in the state of Massachusetts, while proposed legislation for legalizing online gambling remains with the senate.

Massachusetts Casino Resorts and Trips

In the next section, we’ll discuss the types of resort and accommodation available at Massachusetts casinos, while also exploring some of the available trips and packages currently on offer. If you want to travel out of state, then check out our list of the best casinos to visit in the US.

Casino Resorts

Encore Boston Harbor
Number of Rooms671
Price Range ($)227 - 5000
Special Packages"Red Card discounts"
Additional ServicesMeetings Fitness Spa
MGM
Number of Rooms250
Price Range ($)199 - 599
Special Packages"M Life Rewards membership"
Additional ServicesOn-site parking Fitness Spa

Casino Trips

Kingward  Visit Website
  • Super Bonus Mondays
  • $20 in free slot play
  • $20 food voucher to be redeemed on site

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there casinos in Massachusetts?

There are three casinos currently operating in Massachusetts, including two commercial resorts and a single racino in Plainville.

Are drugs allowed in Massachusetts casino?

Under state law, illegal drugs or controlled substances aren’t permitted on-site at Massachusetts casinos. Exemptions will be made for legal prescription drugs.

Is it possible to bring your children to the casinos in Massachusetts?

While children are allowed into restaurants and accommodation at Massachusetts casino resorts, anyone under the age of 21 isn’t permitted to spend time on the gambling floor.

Do Massachusetts casinos allow guns?

There’s no state law or statutes prohibiting the carrying of firearms in Massachusetts casinos, although guns may be restricted according each site’s management.

Am I allowed to bring pets to any casino in Massachusetts?

Pets aren’t permitted on the casino floor or inside the on-site amenities in Massachusetts, but service dogs provide a clear exception to this rule.

Where can I get help regarding gambling addiction?

The Massahusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit entity that helps individuals suffering with problem gambling.

About Massachusetts

State Image
Capital Boston 
Largest Cities Cambridge, Worcester, Salem 
Size 27,363 km² 
Population 6.893 million 
Time Zone GMT-4 
Abbreviation MA