By Jane Shaw
Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: November 6, 2024
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.
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.
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!
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.
| All Casinos in Boston | ||||
| Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway, Boston, 02149 | |||
| Plainridge Park | 301 Washington St, Plainville, 02762 | |||
| All Casinos in Springfield | ||||
| MGM Springfield | One MGM Way, Springfield, 01103 | |||
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.
| 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 |
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.
Additional DetailsThere are 111 poker tables in Massachusetts, but none are located at the Plainridge Park racino
Additional DetailsFrench roulette isn’t available in Massachusetts
Additional DetailsYou Can Do Side Bets: Match The Dealer 21+3, Dealer must stand on a soft 17
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.
As per the Expanded Gaming Act of 2011, casino gambling is now permitted at licensed commercial resorts and Indian casinos
The state law in Massachusetts also allows licensed horse racing and on-track pari-mutuel betting
Approved charitable organisations are able to host several gambling activities when raising money, including raffles and bingo games.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Number of Rooms | 671 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 227 - 5000 |
| Special Packages | "Red Card discounts" |
| Additional Services | Meetings, Fitness, Spa |
| Number of Rooms | 250 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 199 - 599 |
| Special Packages | "M Life Rewards membership" |
| Additional Services | On-site parking, Fitness, Spa |
| Provider | CTA | Trips | Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingward | Visit Website |
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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.
| Capital | Boston |
|---|---|
| Largest Cities | Cambridge, Worcester, Salem |
| Size | 27,363 km² |
| Population | 6.893 million |
| Time Zone | GMT-4 |
| Abbreviation | MA |