Massachusetts residents that are wondering if they are able to play online for real money are in luck, there are plenty of options. There are some rumors floating around regarding the legality of online gambling in the states, but we are here to tell you what the law really says. The legal language can be tough to decipher, which is why misinformed people have spread this conjecture. We have gone through the federal and Massachusetts State laws extensively. Below, we will translate what they say in plain English.
The federal laws surrounding sports betting are somewhat harsh. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 banned sports betting in America except for in Delaware, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. Anyone outside of these states needs to look elsewhere to get in on some sports action. There are many online options available at legal offshore sportsbooks.
Massachusetts state law does not include any mention of sports gambling since the PASPA has banned it almost nationwide. That being said, it is not very hard to find illegal sports betting establishments in any state. We recommend staying away from these rackets, as there are often raids, and your money will not be safe. If the police seize the prize pool of an illegal sports betting operation, you can be sure that they will not repay you.
Because of the PASPA, there are not any legal sports betting venues in Massachusetts. There is plenty of legal sports betting online though. The internet-based sportsbook industry has exploded in the last few years, and you can now legally bet on all your favorite games, as well as on political and entertainment props thanks to legal sports betting sites for Massachusetts residents. We will have links to all the premier online sportsbooks on our site, and we recommend checking each one out as they all offer unique experiences..
Online casino games fall into the category of unlawful internet gambling in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006. The UIGEA effectively banned online casinos from functioning anywhere in the US in an attempt to stop criminal betting establishments from proliferating. This law does not criminalize the mere participation in online betting. The many legal online casinos that accept Massachusetts residents function overseas, in places where they are legal to do so, are fine to use. Millions of Americans are doing so every day.
Massachusetts State gambling laws are similar to the federal laws. Online gambling establishments may not operate, but there are a few land-based options coming soon. An act expanding gaming in the commonwealth is going to provide a few casinos in the state. Plainridge Park casino will be opening mid-2015, and plans to provide excellent casino gaming and horse racing. There is also a casino one state away in Connecticut that offers some great gaming.
There are plenty of online casino options for Massachusetts residents. These sites operate out of places like Canada, and the UK, where operating an online casino is legal. Massachusetts residents are welcome to sign up at these sites at any time, and are within their rights to play for real money.
The federal laws surrounding online poker are dictated by the UIGEA. There was once a time when online poker sites littered the states. In 2006, when the UIGEA passed, it shut down all stateside online poker sites. This fateful day shocked many players, and became known throughout the poker community as “Black Friday.” This seeming fall from grace turned out to be only a minor stumble once US poker fans realized that many prestigious online poker sites operated overseas. These Massachusetts online poker rooms are legal to use, and serve up some of the best poker action in the business.
The Massachusetts state laws do not mention poker, following the lead of the Federal regulations. Because of the UIGEA, there are no online poker sites in MA, but there are many outside of the US that MA residents are free to use. These sites offer the best poker action in the world right now, and are only getting bigger.
There are no land-based poker rooms in Massachusetts as of now. The closest option is Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, which is the biggest casino on the East Coast. They offer limit, and no-limit games, and host a tournament on the WSOP circuit. If you don’t feel like driving out of state, we recommend checking out one the many online poker rooms.
Poker sites have never been more popular, and millions of Americans are using them every day. These sites offer the biggest tournaments, satellites to send you to the WSOP, and variety of games on the market. You can trust that doing business with any of the sites we review will be a wise investment.
We have combed the internet for the best legal gambling sites in Massachusetts. We judged each site on a long list of criteria including everything from signup bonuses, to payout speeds. When searching for an online wagering site, you want to be sure the site has a great reputation. The customer reviews are one thing, but try to seek out mentions in prominent media outlets as well. These sites garner their stellar reputations by putting member safety first. You can be sure that any of the sites we take the time to review use the most up-to-date security software to protect member information.
Operating out of Quebec, Canada, and licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Bovada has been serving up the best online gambling action for over two decades. Massachusetts residents are free to sign up at Bovada anytime, and the gambling community is thriving. This is where the pros play when they are away from the brick & mortar establishments. Don’t let that scare you though, Bovada offers gambling action for players of all skill levels. You will be amazed at the amount of options available. Enjoy casino games, poker, an excellent sportsbook, and horseracing, all fueled by cutting-edge gaming software.
There has never been a better time to sign up at Bovada, as they are offering Welcome Bonuses for every section of the site. There is a 50% Free Bet Sports Bonus awaiting your first play on the sportsbook. A $3,000 Welcome Bonus in the virtual casino gives you many opportunities to try out many of the 150 games available without putting a dent in your initial bankroll. The 100% Poker Welcome Bonus will have you playing the high-stakes tables at minimal risk. There really is too much to mention in one short review. The promotions page will keep you busy for days trying out all the special betting options. This site treats players like family, and this family is cut from royalty.