SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – In-person sports betting began Tuesday morning in Massachusetts at the state’s three casinos.
Anyone 21 years of age or older will be able to walk into the sports books at the state’s casinos and lay their dollars on the line for a variety of sports and competitions.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission approved certificates for operation for MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, and Plainridge Park Casino to begin accepting bets. Massachusetts became the 33rd state to get into the action of legal sports betting.
Wagers can only be placed in person for now, with mobile sports betting scheduled to commence in early March, though no exact date has yet been given.
BetMGM Sports Betting Now Live in Massachusetts at MGM Springfield
“The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield is a phenomenal sports betting hub designed for New England’s passionate sports fans,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “Today is a monumental step for BetMGM and sets the stage for us to deliver a best-in-class sports wagering experience across Massachusetts.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was the first person to place a bet on sports in the state of Massachusetts right at 10:00 when sports betting became legal. He took the Philadelphia Eagles to win the Super Bowl.
There are dozens of sports and events to bet on, from the Super Bowl to the NBA to hockey, and state officials are estimating it’s going to be big business. Estimates for annual tax revenue from sports wagering have ranged from $35 million to more than $60 million.
Mayor Sarno bets on Eagles in first sports bet at MGM
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “Yet another first for our city of Springfield (the City of Firsts) and for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This has been a long time coming and brings yet another chapter of innovation to enhance the operations and development at MGM Springfield. As a strong proponent of MGM Springfield and their marquee Sports Betting Lounge, which will bring more jobs and economic spin-off effect to Springfield and the region, I am honored to join with MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley, BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt, MGM Resorts VP Chris Gumiela, and Bruins Legend and Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, to make the first sports wager in the state – maybe I’ll pick a winner for the Super Bowl. Thank you to the MGM Springfield team, our local State delegation, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) and everyone involved for their efforts in making this historic event possible. I would like to encourage everyone to come on down and check out this new sports betting lounge and enjoy some good food and drinks at one of our many fine dining establishments here in downtown Springfield.”
Chris Kelley, President & COO, Northeast Group, MGM Resorts, said, “We’re thrilled to add this new amenity, strengthening our commitment to being New England’s premier entertainment and gaming destination. We are incredibly grateful for the tireless work of the State delegation to bring this historic bill to the finish line, and to the MGC for crafting the necessary regulations. The BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Springfield allows us to create even more one-of-a-kind engagements for our guests while generating tax revenue and job opportunities for our community.”
State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) added, “After all these years, we finally have sports betting in Massachusetts! I was proud to sponsor legislation last session that sought to legalize sports wagering in the Commonwealth. To see that newly passed law in action today in my very own city is a humbling experience. BetMGM will bolster our economy locally and statewide. It’s a momentous occasion to have some of the first wagers on sports betting take place in Springfield today.”
State Representative Carlos Gonzalez asserted, “Today reaffirms our collective support to pass legislation for sports betting, it will bring more visitors to Springfield’s MGM, create jobs and generate $20-$30 million in revenue to Massachusetts.”
First in-person sports bet at Encore Boston Harbor
The first bet at Encore Boston Harbor took place at 10:30 a.m. at the WynnBET sportsbook windows. Thirty-two guests placed their bets Tuesday morning. There will be 10 live betting windows open 24 hours a day and over 115 available kiosks for sports betters to cast their bets.
First in-person sports bet at Plainridge Park Casino
The first bet at Plainridge Park Casino took place at 1 p.m. and went towards the Boston Bruins. There will be 18 kiosks and five betting windows at a temporary sportsbook. The casino has plans to expand in the future.
