Massachusetts records more than $600 million sports betting handle in June 2026
Massachusetts’ sports betting market maintained its strong momentum in June 2026, despite a period with fewer major sporting events on the US calendar. According to data released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), bettors wagered $615.1 million on sports betting, setting the highest June betting handle recorded since the market was regulated in the state.
The result also marks the tenth consecutive month in which Massachusetts has exceeded the $600 million betting handle threshold, highlighting the maturity of a market that, just over three years after the launch of online betting, has become one of the leading markets in the United States.
Online betting dominates the market
Consumer preference for digital platforms remained strong. Of the $615.1 million wagered in June, $603.4 million was placed through online sportsbooks. Retail betting operations, available at the state’s licensed casinos, accounted for just $11.7 million.
In practice, around 98 per cent of all sports betting activity in Massachusetts now takes place through mobile phones, computers and other internet-connected devices. This reflects a broader trend across the United States, where the convenience of mobile betting has steadily reduced the share of retail wagering.
Although total betting handle remained high, operator profitability did not follow suit. Gross sports betting revenue for June reached $54.3 million, below the levels recorded in some previous months. The difference between the high betting handle and lower revenue is explained by the hold rate, which represents the portion of wagers retained by sportsbooks.
In June, bettors enjoyed relatively favourable results, reducing operators’ profit margins. In other words, more money was returned to customers as winnings, lowering the sector’s net revenue despite the strong wagering volume. This demonstrates that sportsbook financial performance depends not only on how much is wagered but also on sporting outcomes and the distribution of customers’ betting selections.
Beyond increased betting activity, the market continues to generate tax revenue for the state. Massachusetts levies a 20 per cent tax rate on online sports betting revenue and a 15 per cent rate on retail sportsbook revenue. The funds collected are allocated to various public programmes, including education initiatives, economic development and policies aimed at preventing problem gambling.
Mature market supported by major operators
Since sports betting was legalised in 2022, Massachusetts has attracted virtually all of the industry’s leading brands. Retail sportsbooks began operating in January 2023, while online platforms launched in March of the same year. Since then, the market has recorded consistent growth.
Companies such as Boston-based DraftKings and FanDuel continue to lead the sector, alongside operators including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, Bally Bet and theScore Bet. Strong competition among these companies has encouraged investment in technology, loyalty programmes and promotional offers, helping to maintain high levels of consumer engagement.
A record betting handle does not necessarily translate into record revenue for operators. Profitability depends directly on sporting outcomes and the hold achieved by sportsbooks, both of which can vary significantly from one month to the next.
With a mature market, widespread adoption of online betting and an increasingly active customer base, Massachusetts continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading sports betting markets in the United States.
This article was first published on the Portuguese SiGMA News page on 24 July 2026.
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