Massachusetts Sports Betting: Boston Suburbs Rally for Legalization

The Push for Legalizing Massachusetts Sports Betting Gains Momentum

The conversation around Massachusetts sports betting is heating up, with local governments and residents alike calling for the state legislature to legalize this form of gambling. A notable example is the City of Everett, located just outside of Boston, which has taken a proactive step by voting on the matter directly.

On June 28, the Everett City Council made a unanimous decision to urge Massachusetts state lawmakers to pass legislation legalizing sports betting within the year. This move underscores the city’s eagerness to join other states in offering legal sports betting options to its residents. Everett, with a population of approximately 41,000, houses the Encore Boston Harbor casino, a prime candidate for benefiting from such legislation.

Strong Support Among Residents

Council President Wayne Matewsky highlighted the widespread public support for Massachusetts sports betting, referencing a recent poll that found about 72 percent of Massachusetts residents in favor of legalization. Matewsky’s stance, as reported by the Everett Independent, emphasizes the potential financial benefits for the state, particularly in education funding. “We are the only state around us that doesn’t have sports betting,” Matewsky stated, pointing out the missed opportunity for generating significant revenue.

Massachusetts legalized retail sports betting on January 31, 2023, and launched online/mobile wagering on March 10, 2023.

The Potential Impact on Everett and Beyond

Everett’s push for sports betting is not just about local interests but also reflects the broader potential benefits for the state. The city’s Encore Boston Harbor casino is a major economic player, generating over $218 million for the commonwealth since 2011. Legalizing sports bettingaily.io/news/sports-betting/latest-updates-on-new-york-mobile-sports-betting/” title=”Latest Updates on New York Mobile Sports Betting”>Legalizing sports betting would likely boost this revenue even further, creating new jobs and supporting local businesses in what is described as an “overwhelmingly industrial” area.

With its luxurious amenities, including 3,000 slots, 144 table games, and a high-end poker room, Encore Boston Harbor stands to become an even more attractive destination for visitors and locals alike, should sports betting be legalized.

Governor Charlie Baker signed the Massachusetts sports betting bill (An Act to Regulate Sports Wagering) in August 2022, which established the regulatory framework and tax rates for sports wagering in the state. As of 2025, seven mobile sportsbooks (including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics, and Bally Bet) are licensed to operate in Massachusetts, contributing significant tax revenue—Massachusetts had collected more than $339 million from sports betting since legalization through early 2025. Encore Boston Harbor in Everett is one of Massachusetts’ three commercial casinos and has been a major revenue generator for the Commonwealth since opening; the state’s casinos collectively generated tens of millions in monthly gaming revenue after sports betting legalization. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission and researchers (including a Boston University-funded study) have been studying the social and economic impacts of legalized gambling, and regulators have considered measures such as tighter oversight of VIP/loyalty programs to mitigate problem gambling.

What’s Next for Massachusetts Sports Betting?

The clock is ticking for Massachusetts to pass a sports betting bill, with a deadline of November 17, marking the last day for formal legislative action in the current session. This gives the state less than five months to finalize a regulatory bill and present it to Governor Charlie Baker. If successful, Massachusetts could have legal sportsbooks in time for the 2022 Super Bowl, a significant draw for sports fans and bettors.

Despite previous setbacks, including the rejection in May of two amendments to legalize sports betting through the state budget process, the prospects remain favorable. Massachusetts finds itself trailing behind much of New England and the nation, where 21 states currently offer operational sports betting and six more are awaiting launch.

The push from Everett and the broad public support signal a growing impetus for Massachusetts to join the ranks of states that have legalized sports betting. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the state legislature to see if they can turn this widespread enthusiasm into legislative action.