Massachusetts Casinos

The Best Casino in Massachusetts

The Biggest Casinos in Massachusetts

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 venue offering a genuinely immersive wagering experience, making for a genuinely exciting trip for visitors.

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

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 gambling facilities, under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is making solid progress with their First Light Resort Casino project in Taunton, albeit still very much in the planning phase.

Gambling in Massachusetts

Casino Games in Massachusetts

As we’ve already touched mentioned, 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, plus any additional details that may be of interest.

Gambling Legal Situation 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.

Massachusetts Gambling Laws

History

Massachusetts has a long history of rebellion and individualism, home of the Boston Tea Party and iconic people who shaped the destiny of these United States of America. So, while it may have taken longer than expected to come to the commercial casino party, this great state does boast an established history of horse racing and state lotteries.

• 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

Pending the arrival of two new tribally managed and operated casinos, with one proposed venue moving ahead positively with planning, the casino gaming future bodes well for Massachusetts. Whether that leads to more commercial opportunities in the years to come, remains to be seen.