As you venture into the realm of land-based casinos in Massachusetts, you’ll find a landscape shaped by stringent MA gambling laws, regulations, and legal guidelines. Over the years, Massachusetts has made significant strides in legalizing and regulating this form of gambling, providing a robust framework for the operation of these establishments. Today, these casinos not only contribute to the state’s economy but also offer a regulated environment for patrons to indulge in their favorite games. However, it’s important to note that while gambling is permitted, it is bound by specific rules and regulations that you should be aware of.
We’ll guide you through each of the top casinos in Massachusetts, dissecting their unique features and offerings. We’ll delve into the heart of their gaming floors, evaluate their amenities, and gauge the overall experience they provide. Our review will shed light on what sets these casinos apart, helping you decide which one best fits your preferences. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive overview, so you can make an informed decision on where to place your bets.
Opened in 2019, the Encore Boston Harbor Casino is a sprawling complex that spans over 210,000 square feet. This gaming wonderland boasts a rich selection of more than 2,800 slot machines, 166 table games, and a dedicated poker room.
Encore Boston Harbor Casino doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dining. There are over 15 dining spots, including Sinatra, an upscale Italian restaurant, and Rare Steakhouse, where you can enjoy the finest cuts of meat. For those who prefer a more casual dining experience, The Buffet offers a variety of cuisines, while Bru and Garden Lounge serve up craft beers and cocktails.
Beyond the gaming floor, Encore Boston Harbor Casino offers a plethora of amenities. The resort features a 27-story hotel with over 650 rooms, including 104 suites, each providing a luxurious retreat. If relaxation is what you’re after, the in-house spa and salon offer a variety of treatments. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center. And if you’re looking to cool off, the Harborwalk, an outdoor waterfront park, features a swimming pool and private cabanas.
Encore Boston Harbor Casino has quickly gained a reputation for its excellent service and high-end offerings. Visitors often commend the cleanliness of the rooms and the quality of the food. Overall, the casino maintains a strong reputation for providing a luxurious and comprehensive entertainment experience.
Opened in 2015, Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, Massachusetts, is a modern gaming destination that spans over 106,000 square feet. You’ll find a vast array of gaming options to choose from, with more than 1,200 slot machines and a host of electronic table games.
When it comes to dining, you’re in for a treat. There’s Flutie’s Sports Pub, where you can enjoy classic American fare while watching your favorite sports on the big screens. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, Slack’s Oyster House & Grill offers a range of seafood and steak options. And for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, the Revolution 1776 Lounge is the perfect place to unwind with a drink.
Plainridge Park Casino offers a host of amenities to enhance your visit. While it doesn’t offer hotel rooms or a spa, you’ll find live entertainment at the Revolution 1776 Lounge, where local bands perform regularly. The casino also boasts a fitness center for those who want to maintain their workout routine. Unfortunately, there’s no swimming pool, but the casino makes up for it with its high-end services.
Plainridge Park Casino enjoys a positive reputation amongst visitors, known for its friendly staff and clean environment. The price of food is considered reasonable and the overall experience is rated highly by many. However, some visitors have voiced complaints about the smoking policy and the variety of games. Despite these minor criticisms, the casino continues to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
MGM Springfield Casino opened to the public in Springfield in 2018, Massachusetts is a stunning gaming and entertainment destination. Spanning over 125,000 square feet, the casino offers a diverse range of gaming options to cater to all tastes. You’ll find over 2,500 slot machines and 120 gaming tables, offering everything from classic poker and blackjack to the latest in electronic gaming.
The MGM Springfield casino boasts several restaurants and bars, each with its unique offerings. The Chandler Steakhouse, for instance, serves up prime cuts of meat in an elegant setting. For a more casual dining experience, TAP Sports Bar offers a wide selection of beers and classic American fare. Meanwhile, the South End Market provides a variety of quick bites, perfect for a meal on the go.
In addition to the gaming and dining options, MGM Springfield offers a host of other amenities. The property features a hotel with 250 smoke-free rooms and suites, a fitness center for guests looking to stay active, and a spa for those seeking relaxation. For entertainment, the on-site Roar! Comedy Club provides laughs, while the outdoor plaza hosts regular live music and events.
The reputation of MGM Springfield amongst visitors is overwhelmingly positive. The variety and quality of games are often praised, and the dining options receive high marks for both taste and service. Some visitors have mentioned that the prices for food and drinks can be a bit high, but most feel the quality justifies the cost. MGM Springfield has a solid reputation as a top-notch gaming and entertainment destination.
This section will provide you with all the necessary information about the land-based casinos spread across the state. Let’s look at the three legal and licensed Massachusetts casinos you can join today. They include:
| Name | Address | City | Phone Number |
| MGM Springfield | One MGM Way | Springfield | (413) 273-5000 |
| Encore Boston Harbor | 1 Broadway | Everett | (857) 770-7000 |
| Plainridge Park Casino | 301 Washington Street | Plainville | (508) 576-4500 |
In the following table, you’ll find each of the state’s three casinos ranked according to their overall sizes in square meters. This will help you gauge the scale and spectacle of Massachusetts’ most impressive gaming establishments.
| Casino Name | Size |
| Encore Boston Harbor | 15,800 sq, meters |
| MGM Springfield | 14,500 sq. meters |
| Plainridge Park Casino | 4,300 sq. meters |
If you’re keen on exploring the Massachusetts casinos offering the most diverse gaming options, we’ll showcase the number of games each of Massachusetts’ legal casinos offer in the table below.
| Casino Name | Number of Games |
| Encore Boston Harbor | 3,158 games |
| MGM Springfield | 2,550 games |
| Plainridge Park Casino | 1,250 games |
While Plainridge Park Casino doesn’t have a hotel, you can still enjoy a comfortable stay in Massachusetts thanks to MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor. Here are the number of rooms they currently offer to patrons:
| Casino Name | Number of Rooms |
| Encore Boston Harbor | 671 rooms |
| MGM Springfield | 250 rooms |
Next in our comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the diverse games found in brick-and-mortar casinos across Massachusetts. From the classic allure of slot machines to the thrill of table games like blackjack and roulette, we’ll provide you with an in-depth exploration of the gaming offerings available in these establishments below.
In Massachusetts, land-based casinos offer a vast array of slots for your enjoyment. From classic reel slots to the latest video slots, there’s something to cater to every taste. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant, high-energy atmosphere these slot machines create.
Here are the top five slots you can play in land-based casinos in Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts brick-and-mortar casinos, you can indulge in a variety of exhilarating casino poker games. Test your skills and luck with popular options like Texas Hold’em, where you strategize against fellow players and the dealer, or try your hand at Omaha, a thrilling game known for its intricate rules and potential for big hands.
Here’s a brief look at some of the popular games you can play overall:
An array of enticing roulette games awaits your exploration in casinos in MA. Engage in the timeless elegance of roulette, with multiple variants supported, each with its own house edges and bets. Much like when you play at the best live dealer online casinos, Massachusetts’ top land-based roulette options include:
A captivating array of blackjack game variations awaits your exploration. Each game offers its own unique twist on the classic blackjack formula, presenting you with diverse strategies and challenges to conquer. Whether you’re drawn to inventive rule changes, side bets that enhance the excitement, or simply the allure of traditional gameplay, the blackjack tables in Massachusetts provide a dynamic range of options to engage your skills and luck in an immersive gaming experience.
Five popular blackjack games in MA casinos include:
You’ll encounter an exciting assortment of dice games that promise an exhilarating gaming adventure in MA casinos. These dice games offer a diverse range of experiences, from the strategic decisions of betting on specific outcomes to the thrill of seeing the dice roll in your favor. With varying rules, betting options, and strategies to master, these dice games provide you with an immersive opportunity to engage your luck and skill in a lively casino atmosphere.
If you’re looking for dice games, then why not try these popular options?
Apart from the usual suspects, Massachusetts land-based casinos also offer a variety of other exciting casino games. These include games like Baccarat, which is a favorite among high rollers, and Pai Gow, a fun and engaging card game. You can also try your hand at Keno or enjoy the fast-paced action of a Craps table. With such a diverse selection, you’re bound to find a game that piques your interest.
Here are the top five “other games” you can play in land-based casinos in Massachusetts:
Of course, if you are interested in the best baccarat online casino games or want to play at top video poker online casino sites, then we’ll introduce you to those below.
Massachusetts hasn’t yet legalized online gambling. However, there are ample offshore casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms available for players in MA which you can legally access. These operate offshore and are outside Massachusetts’ jurisdiction. Top pages to visit to get an idea of what is available include:
Massachusetts legalized casino gambling in 2011 and currently has several land-based casinos, including the MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor. These casinos are situated on solid ground rather than on riverboats. There is no recent history or culture of riverboat casinos being available in Massachusetts.
The history of Indian gaming tribes in Massachusetts is deeply rooted in the state’s rich cultural past. Tribes including the Wampanoag, Nimpuc, Pequot, Mohegan and Penobscot have been a part of the area’s history for centuries, with their traditions and customs shaping the state’s identity.
The gaming aspect, however, is a more recent development, stemming from the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. This federal law allowed tribes to operate casinos on their reservations, creating a new economic opportunity.
Currently, there is just one federally recognized Indian tribe in Massachusetts that operates Indian casinos – the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The Mashpee Wampanoag has a long history in the state, being the tribe that first encountered the Pilgrims in the 17th century. They will operate the First Light Casino in Taunton, Massachusetts when it is finally built and goes live. There is no confirmed date for that yet.
In Massachusetts, your gambling winnings are subject to income tax. This means that if you’ve won money from gambling, you’re required to report it on your federal and state income tax returns. The amount you’ll pay depends on your total income, but it’s important to note that gambling winnings are generally taxed at a flat 25% rate at the federal level.
To report your winnings, you’ll need to fill out Form W-2G, which is provided by the casino or other gambling establishment. This form details the amount you won and the taxes already taken out. You’ll include this information on your Massachusetts state tax return.
If you’ve won a substantial amount, the gambling establishment might withhold taxes from your winnings. However, even if taxes are not withheld, you’re still responsible for paying them. Always keep records of your gambling winnings and losses, as you can deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings.
Remember, it’s crucial to report all your gambling winnings, no matter how small. Failing to do so can result in penalties and interest. When in doubt, consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re complying with all the relevant laws and regulations.
Massachusetts first legalized casino gambling in November 2011 when the state’s legislature passed the Expanded Gaming Act. This act allowed for the development of up to three resort-style casinos and one slots parlor in different regions across the state. The move to legalize casinos aimed to generate revenue, create jobs, and provide additional entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. Since the passing of the Expanded Gaming Act, several casinos have been established in Massachusetts, contributing to the state’s economy and offering a variety of gaming experiences.
In Massachusetts, you must be at least 21 years old to be considered of legal age to gamble in casinos. However, for bingo, lottery games, and horse racing, the minimum age is 18. This is similar to the gambling laws in other US states.
Plainridge Park Casino was the first land-based casino to open in Massachusetts. It’s a harness racing track and slot machine parlor in Plainville, Massachusetts that opened on June 24, 2015.
As of June 2023, the three legal casino venues in Massachusetts typically report around $101 million a month in profit. Since debuting, over $1.3 billion has been raised in gambling revenue in Massachusetts overall.
Yes, you can bet on horse racing at off-track betting locations in Massachusetts. However, betting on dog racing is not permitted. In 2010, Massachusetts banned greyhound racing, but betting on out-of-state dog races was still allowed for some time. As of 2017, live dog racing was banned, and it’s unclear if off-track betting on dog races is still permitted.
All three Massachusetts casinos currently offer free parking to their patrons. The theoretically upcoming First Light Casino & Resort is also being planned with free parking in mind.
There are just three B&M casinos in Massachusetts, and these include the MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino. A fourth could be added in the future, with the debut of the First Light Casino & Resort. You’ll find many more options if you choose the best real money casino apps online.
Yes, you can play charitable games in Massachusetts. The state law allows certain types of games for charitable gambling purposes, such as bingo and raffles. However, these games must be conducted by a non-profit organization that has obtained the necessary permits. The organization must also adhere to the rules and regulations set by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Yes – in theory. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has long sought to build a $1 billion casino in Taunton, about 40 miles south of Boston. Development has hit a few snags, though, so it is not clear when the First Light Resort and Casino will be built and go live.
You must be at least 21 years old to gamble at casinos in Massachusetts. This includes all types of gambling, from slot machines to table games. All MA casinos must be licensed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Each casino game has specific rules that must be followed. These rules are set by the casino and approved by the Gaming Commission. Finally, MA land-based casinos are required to have measures in place to promote responsible gambling and help those who may have a gambling problem.
No, you cannot smoke in land-based casinos in Massachusetts. The state has strict laws prohibiting smoking in all enclosed workplaces, including casinos. This is part of the Massachusetts Smoke-Free Workplace Law, which is intended to protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke. Some casinos may have designated outdoor smoking areas, such as Plainridge Park.
Typically, pets are not allowed in land-based casinos in Massachusetts, with the exception of service animals. Service animals, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired, are generally permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling can assist with problem gambling when you call their 24/7 hotline at 1-800-426-1234. Gamblers Anonymous is another option for online casino bettors in MA, although we recommend using responsible gambling tools when betting online. Lastly, the National Council on Problem Gambling offers a 24/7 service by phone at 1-800-522-4700 or via text (text SUPPORT to 53342).
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