Sports betting activity in Massachusetts reached unprecedented levels in September, with players wagering a record $800.3 million, marking the highest monthly total since the market’s legalization. The milestone barely surpassed the state’s previous record of $788.3 million, set in January 2025.
Online Wagering Leads Strong September Surge
Data released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) revealed that September’s handle grew 1.5% over January’s record and soared 46.8% compared to August. Year-on-year, betting volume increased 17.9%, illustrating continued market expansion.
Online sportsbooks once again dominated the field, drawing $789.4 million in bets — enough to set a record on their own. Retail betting added another $10.9 million, underscoring the growing preference for digital wagering channels.
Despite record spending, taxable gaming revenue totaled $52.3 million, well below the $96.4 million peak recorded in January. Revenue dipped 6.3% from August and fell 28.8% compared to the same month last year. The overall hold stood at 6.54%, with $52 million from online play and $386,917 from retail sportsbooks.
DraftKings Maintains Clear Market Lead
Among operators, DraftKings continued to dominate the Massachusetts market. The Boston-based company reported a $409.6 million handle, generating $26.1 million in revenue with a 6.37% hold. FanDuel, owned by Flutter, placed second with $15.9 million in revenue from $192.6 million wagered, reflecting an 8.26% hold.
BetMGM followed in third position with $4.1 million earned from a $51.4 million handle, while Fanatics trailed slightly behind, posting $3.1 million in revenue from $83.2 million in bets for a 3.73% hold. ESPN Bet recorded $1.4 million off $24 million, while Caesars produced $1.1 million from $24.6 million. Bally Bet remained the smallest operator, reporting $261,101 in revenue from $4.1 million wagered.
In the retail space, Encore Boston Harbor topped competitors with $221,492 in revenue from $5.1 million in bets, a 4.34% hold. Plainridge Park Casino followed with $165,425 from $4.8 million, while MGM Springfield, despite taking nearly $987,000 in wagers, reported no revenue for the month.
Casino Revenue and Regulatory Oversight
Massachusetts collected $37.8 million in total gambling taxes during the month, including $10.4 million from sports betting and $27.4 million from casinos.
Meanwhile, the MGC continues examining the broader betting landscape. Regulators are reviewing VIP and loyalty programs offered by major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel amid worries these perks might encourage risky gambling behavior. “VIP programs should be for those who can afford to be VIPs, and it shouldn’t be predatory,” said Chair Jordan Maynard at the October 9 commission meeting.
The MGC is also evaluating fairness in how sportsbooks restrict winning players, a practice sometimes known as “being in the box.” Recent commission data indicated that just 0.64% of bettors were limited last December, though some faced severe caps on wager size.
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Source:
“Massachusetts betting handle tops $800 million to set state record in September”, igamingbusiness.com, October 23, 2025
The post Massachusetts Sets New Sports Betting Record with $800.3 Million in Wagers first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.