Massachusetts sports betting Sees Decline Amid Summer Slowdown
The world of Massachusetts sports betting experienced a significant dip in June, with the total sports betting handle taking a 27% hit compared to May’s figures. This decline, as reported by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, saw the numbers tumble from $454.8 million in May to $332 million in June. This trend wasn’t isolated to Massachusetts alone but was mirrored in various other states, highlighting a broader pattern within the sports betting landscape during the summer months.
Understanding the Dip: A Closer Look at the Figures
In June 2025, Massachusetts sports betting handle reached $532.7 million, a 23.1% decline from May 2025 but up 4.6% from June 2024, according to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
The transition from spring to summer often brings a slowdown in sports betting, and Massachusetts’ recent figures are a testament to this seasonal trend. From April to May, the state already saw an 18% decline, with the handle dropping from $559.2 million to $454.9 million. This continued decline into June underscores the impact of the sports calendar on betting activities. Notably, the period post-NFL Draft and NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, which are held in April, traditionally sees a cooling off in betting fervor. The nearly 41% drop in handle from April to June is a stark indicator of this pattern.
Comparatively, other states have also witnessed similar downturns. Nevada, for instance, reported a 9% drop in handle between April and May, while Ohio saw a more steep 30% decline from March to April. These figures collectively point to a broader trend of a ‘Summer Slowdown’ in sports betting activities across the United States.
Online sports betting generated $61.6 million in revenue in June 2025, comprising the vast majority of the state’s total $62.1 million sports betting revenue, with retail contributing just $474,426.
Seasonal Patterns and Predictions: The Sports Betting Calendar
Despite the recent downturn, the sports betting calendar had several high-profile events in June, including the NBA Final, NCAA College World Series, and the US Open. Looking ahead, July promised to bring the MLB All-Star Game, Open Championship, and Women’s World Cup into the betting spotlight. Furthermore, August was set to feature key NASCAR races like the Coke Zero Sugar 400, setting the stage for a potential resurgence in betting activities.
The anticipation was that late summer and fall would mark a significant uptick in sports betting, coinciding with the return of the NFL and college football seasons. Historically, these events have driven substantial volumes for sportsbooks, indicating a cyclical nature to the betting handle over the course of the year.
DraftKings Dominates Massachusetts’ Online Sports Betting Scene
In the midst of these fluctuations, DraftKings emerged as a clear leader among Massachusetts’ online sports bettors in June. The Boston-based company reported a $159.3 million online handle with $15.4 million in taxable revenue at a 9.74% hold. This continued dominance, despite the overall dip in betting handle, showcases DraftKings’ strong position within the local market.
Following behind DraftKings, FanDuel secured the second spot in June’s online handle rankings, with substantial figures of its own. The competition among online sportsbooks in Massachusetts remains fierce, with entities like BetMGM, Barstool, and Caesars Sportsbook rounding out the list of top performers for the month.
State Revenue from Sports Betting: A Financial Overview
Since the inception of sports wagering in Massachusetts, starting with retail sportsbooks on January 31 and followed by mobile betting in March, the state has garnered approximately $40 million in tax revenue from sports betting operators. This revenue, derived from a 15% tax on retail sportsbooks and a 20% tax on online sportsbooks, is allocated across various sectors, including the state’s General Fund, workforce investment, local aid, youth development and achievement, and the state’s public health trust fund. This diversified investment strategy aims to ensure that the benefits of sports betting extend beyond the operators and bettors, reaching into the wider community.
The journey of sports betting in Massachusetts reflects a complex interplay of seasonal trends, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics. While the recent downturn is part of a predictable seasonal cycle, the strategic positioning of operators like DraftKings and the state’s thoughtful allocation of tax revenue demonstrate a robust ecosystem capable of weathering fluctuations and capitalizing on high points in the sports calendar.