Massachusetts has long been home to legendary poker action, from high-stakes tournaments to low-key home games. Today, many players opt to play online, drawn by the convenience and variety of platforms available.
While the state doesn't regulate online poker, residents can still legally access offshore sites that serve players from the state. On this page, we will share our top-recommended platforms and provide legal insights on how to play online poker safely in The Bay State.
Can You Play Online Poker in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts residents can legally play online poker for real money at offshore sites. The state doesn’t regulate these platforms, but individuals are not at legal risk for using them. To stay safe, it’s best to stick with well-established sites with a long track record of reliable payouts and player protections.
First-time depositors in Massachusetts get a generous 200% match bonus, one of the best offers for newcomers. The bonus unlocks gradually through play, allowing new users to stretch small deposits over time. Add in low-stakes cash tables, frequent freerolls, and a user-friendly interface; you’ve got an excellent environment for building confidence. This platform doesn’t overwhelm, making it perfect for new players seeking a soft introduction to real-money poker without heavy commitment.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Great Online Poker for Beginners
This platform lowers the barrier to entry to online poker in Massachusetts without dumbing things down. Whether you’re playing on a phone or desktop, the app keeps things simple and responsive. Lower-stakes tables give you space to improve, and crypto banking speeds things up without needing workarounds. It’s a clean, well-rounded setup for getting back into online poker, or starting for the first time, with just the right amount of structure.
Current State of Online Poker in Massachusetts
Massachusetts may soon join the ranks of states with regulated online poker. In early 2025, lawmakers introduced two bills: HD 4084 in the House and SD 2240 in the Senate. These bills aim to legalize online casino gaming, including poker. These proposals outline a comprehensive licensing structure allowing both existing commercial casinos and independent operators to offer online poker under regulated oversight.
Under the proposed legislation, licensed operators could launch standalone poker platforms, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission would be authorized to enter into multi-state agreements like the MSIGA, enabling shared player pools with other states. A 20% tax on gross gaming revenue and a $5 million licensing fee (renewable every five years) would apply to all licensed online gaming operators.
So far, there has been no official schedule to hold votes. Still, the bills signal a shift in legislative momentum. If passed, they would establish a legal, competitive online poker market in the state for the first time.
For now, however, Massachusetts does not license or regulate online poker. Players can still legally access top offshore poker sites that accept US players.
Massachusetts Gambling & Online Poker Laws Summarized
Type/Code
Summary
State Code Section(s)
II.10.37-40; II.23K; XX.137; IV.271
Definitions
Gambling: The playing of a game by a patron of a gaming establishment.Game: A banking or percentage game played with cards, dice, tiles, dominoes or an electronic, electrical or mechanical device or machine played for money, property, checks, credit or any other representative of value which has been approved by the commission.Gaming: Dealing, operating, carrying on, conducting, maintaining or exposing any game for pay.Gaming device: An electronic, electrical or mechanical contrivance or machine used in connection with gaming or a game.
Online Poker/Gambling
Several lawmakers and members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission support online poker and casino games. Bills in the past have not seen votes, but a 2018 omnibus gambling expansion bill may be considered this year or in 2019.
Live Poker
There are no live poker rooms but will be once the casinos are opened.
Casinos
There are no casinos in Massachusetts, but Native American tribes have been battling in court over their rights to open casinos. The Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 authorized three full-fledged casinos and one slot parlor, all of which are in process.
Sports Betting
A bill is under consideration in Massachusetts to legalize sports betting, and it is currently combined with online poker and casino games in a comprehensive bill to expand gambling.
DFS
A 2017 law legalized daily fantasy sports, but the legislature must pass a new bill to extend regulations beyond the trial period that ends in 2018.
Other Forms of Gambling
Horse and dog racing, on-track pari-mutuel betting, charitable gambling, lottery.
Is Online Poker Legal in Massachusetts?
Players in The Bay State can play poker online through offshore sites that accept U.S. players without breaking any laws.
While the state does not currently license or regulate online poker rooms, it also does not penalize individuals for participating on internationally operated platforms. These offshore sites operate outside the scope of Massachusetts law.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 271, Section 1, unlicensed gambling operations are broadly prohibited, but enforcement is directed at those who run or profit from illegal games, not private individuals playing online.
As with other forms of gambling in the state, age restrictions apply. State law sets the minimum age at 21 for casino-style gambling, which would likely extend to online poker if regulated.
No known cases have been reported of Massachusetts law enforcement prosecuting residents for playing on offshore poker sites. However, this doesn't mean players shouldn't exercise caution and good judgment, as the limited consumer protections make picking a trustworthy site even more important.
Are Home Poker Games Legal in Massachusetts?
Home poker games are allowed as long they're played for fun and recreation, and no one profits from organizing or hosting the game. That means there can be no rake, house cut, or required entry fee beyond what players contribute to the pot. As long as the game remains private and recreational, it falls outside the scope of illegal gambling laws.
Will Online Poker in Massachusetts be Regulated in 2025?
While Massachusetts has historically moved cautiously on online gambling, the introduction of HD 4084 and SD 2240 in early 2025 marks the most serious push yet toward regulating online poker. The proposals reflect a growing recognition among lawmakers that regulated iGaming, including poker, could complement existing casino revenues and align the state with neighboring markets like Connecticut and New Jersey.
Whether either bill advances this session remains to be seen, but the groundwork has clearly shifted. Lawmakers are increasingly familiar with the regulatory frameworks used in other states, and the inclusion of multi-state agreements like MSIGA suggests an intent to build a competitive and sustainable ecosystem.
If momentum continues, Massachusetts could establish regulated online poker within the coming years, potentially creating one of the most player-friendly markets in the region.
Famous Massachusetts Poker Players
Massachusetts has produced some of the most accomplished names in professional poker. Many players from the state started online before building elite reputations on the live tournament circuit.
Nick Petrangelo now tops the state's earnings list with over $38 million in winnings, including multiple seven-figure scores on the international high-roller scene. Daniel Colman remains a close second, known for his $15.3 million victory in the 2014 WSOP Big One for One Drop and nearly $29 million in total earnings.
Longtime legends like Dan Harrington, author of some of the most influential strategy books in the game, continue to be respected for their impact on poker. Rising stars and consistent performers such as Jonathan Jaffe, Brian Altman, and Matthew Wantman have kept The Bay State well-represented globally.
As of 2025, the top 10 all-time live tournament earners from the state are:
Nick Petrangelo – $38.9 million
Daniel Colman – $28.9 million
Jonathan Jaffe – $15.5 million
Anthony Zinno – $12.0 million
Brian Altman – $8.7 million
Matthew Wantman – $8.4 million
Jesse Sylvia – $7.8 million
Taylor von Kriegenbergh – $6.8 million
Dan Harrington – $6.7 million
Daniel Colpoys – $3.3 million
Play Poker Responsibly in Massachusetts
Poker should be entertaining and rewarding, not overwhelming. If you’re playing online from Massachusetts, setting limits and recognizing when to take a break can help keep things in balance. Free, confidential support is available through:
Visit our Responsible Gambling page for tools, tips, and other support resources. With the right mindset and safeguards, online poker can remain a healthy and enjoyable part of your routine.
Regulated Gambling Options in MA
Regulated gambling activities in MA run the gamut, from the state lottery to the multiple casinos (both commercial and tribal) that are spread across the state’s map. On top of those options, you also can engage in charitable gambling (when properly licensed) and pari-mutuel wagering year-round in Massachusetts.
What About Online Gambling?
Not yet, but all signs point to the state introducing some legally regulated online gambling options shortly. We believe the lottery will likely come online first, but online poker could follow closely. That is, for the moment, all hypothetical – as of this article, Massachusetts doesn’t have any online gambling regulated or licensed directly by the state.
Massachusetts Online Poker: Key Takeaways
Massachusetts doesn't regulate online poker, but players can still legally access offshore poker sites that accept US users. These platforms offer real money games, tournaments, and mobile play without local penalties since the state focuses enforcement on unlicensed operators, not individual players.
In 2025, lawmakers introduced HD 4084 and SD 2240, two bills aimed at legalizing online casino gaming, including poker, but neither has passed yet. Until formal regulation is enacted, trusted offshore poker rooms remain the most accessible option.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Massachusetts Online Poker
