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Unlike the majority of states in America, it's hard to say where exactly Massachusetts stands when it comes to gambling.
Technically, online casinos are not allowed to operate in the state, yet there is no set law against them.
However, residents of the Bay State are permitted to gamble at land-based casinos as well as place wagers on horse races. There's also a state lottery, and charitable gaming allowed.
The legality of gambling has always been somewhat of a question mark in Massachusetts. However, the industry is growing with multiple new casino resorts opening over the past fewyears.
Could online casinos see the day where they can operate legally in MA? What are residents meant to do for their gaming needs in the meantime?
Let's take a look.
OnlineCasinos in Massachusetts
Online casinos are not legal in Massachusetts yet, however, the laws behind it are a little more complex than other states.
While casinos could face punishment for trying to operate online, the state is more lenient towards players.
If you are gambling online and win $5+, you could be fined twice of what you won. The same applies for if you lose $5 or more.
This means technically if you can keep it under $5, you shouldn't find yourself in any trouble with the law.
Massachusetts is more interested in legalizing online sports betting, but hopefully, online casinos will follow shortly after.
Land-Based Casinos in Massachusetts
Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill in late 2011 that legalized casinos in Massachusetts.
The law allowed three casinos in three different geographic regions, plus one slot parlor.
That slot parlor, Plainridge Park Casino, is a harness racing track located about 40 miles southwest of Boston and opened on June 24, 2015.
Gaming regulations for Massachusetts casinos require a minimum payback of 80% on all gaming machines. The payback percentages for slot machines at all casinos in Massachusetts are released as amatter of public record. Just click here to see a list of slot machine payback statistics for allMassachusetts casinos.
NOTE: If you happen to win a jackpot of $600 or more in Massachusetts, the casino will withhold 5% and send it to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
You may, however, be able to get some of that money refunded by filing a state income tax return.
The $600 threshold also applies to any cash prizes won in casino drawings or tournaments, as well as the fair market value of non-cash prizes such as cars, houses, and trips.
Types of Casinos in Massachusetts
The first resort-casino license in Region B (Western Massachusetts) was awarded to MGM Resorts and their $1.3 billion casino - MGM Springfield - opened in late 2018.
The second license for Region A (Eastern Massachusetts) was awarded to Wynn Resorts and the $2 billion Encore Boston Harbor opened in 2019.
The Encore Casino is the closest casino to Boston.
The final license for Region C (Southeastern Massachusetts) had not yet been awarded as of 2020.
Indian Casinos
There are two tribes in Massachusetts currently battling the government for the right to build a casino on their land.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is planning to build a destination resort casino near Taunton. That facility, First Light Casino, was expected to open by early 2019.
However, the project has been hampered by lawsuits that have stopped it from being completed.
The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) also had plans to open a casino in an old community center back in 2013 which was stopped due to the state claiming the tribe had given up theirland in 1993.
The Aquinnah fought back by saying the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act had overseen this and ended up winning the battle in 2018.
Both tribes are still in the planning process for the gaming venues.
Pari-Mutuel Betting
Horse racing is one of the oldest forms of legal gambling in Massachusetts.
Dog racing was legal from the 1930s up until 2010 when the Massachusetts Greyhound Protection Act deemed it illegal.
Today, there is only one horse race track that accepts pari-mutuel wagering in MA; Plainridge Racecourse. Residents can go watch live horse races from April to November.
The other tracks, Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs, offer simulcast wagering on races.
List Of Land-Based Casinos In Massachusetts
Click on any of the casinos listed below to learn more about each.
Encore Boston Harbor
- 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
- 1 857-770-7000
- Games: Slot Machines, Table Games (blackjack, roulette, craps, poker), High Limit
First Light Resort & Casino
Not Open
Horizon's Edge Casino Cruises - Massachusetts
Permanently Closed
MGM Springfield
- One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103
- 1 413-273-5000
- Games: Slot machines, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, Pai Gow, three card poker, four card poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em, War, Big 6, Let It Ride, and Spanish 21
Plainridge Park Casino
- 301 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762
- 1 508-576-4500
- Games: Electronic Machines
Massachusetts Land-Based Casinos Map
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The casino at Encore Boston Harbor is large, airy and glamorous, offering 3,000 slots, 144 table games and more in a glittering setting of 40-foot-tall ceilings. Games range from craps and roulette to blackjack and baccarat, all at state-of-the-art tables. The Poker Room on the terrace level has 88 high-end poker tables in an exclusive atmosphere. Private and high-limit gambling areas offer extra luxury, white-glove service and skillful players. The Red Card rewards program allows guests for earn points, credits and comps.
Dining
Closest Casino To Lenox Massachusetts
The whole range of dining needs and tastes are serviced at many restaurants: The Mystique, Waterfront, the Oyster Bar, Fratelli, Red 8, On Deck Burger Bar, Sinatra, Rare Steakhouse, Garden Café, The Buffet, Bru, and Dunkin’. Vegetarian diners are well-satisfied at all of these restaurants. Bars and lounges include Center Bar, Garden Lounge, and Memoire.
Shopping
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The centerpiece for shopping at the casino is the Wynn Collection, presenting women’s designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Designers represented in the collection include Zimmermann, Victoria Beckham, Jason Wu, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and others.
Casino Near Berkshires
Spa
A 19,000-square-foot spa offers beautifully furnished treatment rooms and lounges. Guests can schedule treatments from massages to facials, hot plunge, dry sauna and eucalyptus steam.