July Sports Betting in Massachusetts Shows Year-on-Year Growth

Massachusetts, August 21, 2025

News Summary

Massachusetts sports betting handle for July fell to $489.5 million, marking the lowest monthly total this year, yet it remains 18.9% higher compared to last year. Online betting continues to dominate, with major players like DraftKings and FanDuel leading the market. The overall tax revenue from sports betting and casinos reached $38.1 million. While July’s numbers might seem disappointing, the data indicates a steady growth in the betting landscape as the state prepares for fierce competition and upcoming major golfing events.

Boston — July’s numbers landed like a long par putt that lips out: not terrible, but not the drop everyone wanted.

Golfers and bettors both felt it — handle dips, but the season keeps growing

If you follow golf and enjoy a cheeky side bet on the weekend’s tee times, the latest sports betting report from Massachusetts reads like the scorecard of a tricky links course. The online sports betting handle in July 2025 settled at $489.5 million. That’s the softest monthly total so far this year, but before anyone hits the panic button, it’s still 18.9% higher than July 2024’s $412 million.

Think of it as a course that added length: players are posting higher season totals even when a single round is quieter. Year-on-year growth confirms fans and punters are sticking around, even in a slow month.

Where the money ended up — big operators and retail tees

The taxable revenue reported for July 2025 was $9.57 million. Most of that money came from online play — $47.6 million from online wagers versus just $567,407 from retail books. That’s a reminder that mobile apps are the main grandstands now, while retail is more like the clubhouse: still important, but quieter.

Here’s the leaderboard for July:

• DraftKings stayed top of the pack, posting $24.3 million in revenue from a hefty handle of $238.9 million.
• FanDuel sat in second with $12.3 million in revenue on a $121.6 million handle.
• BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook both reported about $4.4 million in revenue. BetMGM’s effective hold was higher at 11.05%, while Fanatics showed a lower hold of 7.96%.
• Caesars posted a 5.43% hold with $14.7 million in handle and $765,128 in revenue.

On the retail front — the concrete floors of the sportsbooks — Plainridge Park Casino led with $245,762 in July revenue and a healthy 12.58% hold. Encore Boston Harbor’s retail book followed with $221,823, and MGM Springfield was listed with $857,275 (figures may reflect broader monthly operations reported alongside sports betting activity).

A little regulatory and historical context — the back nine of the law

Massachusetts legalized sports betting when House Bill 5164 became law on August 10, 2022. Retail betting kicked off on January 31, 2023 at three spots: Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino. The online game teed off on March 10, 2023 with six initial operators. Since then the state allocated 15 licenses in total, including seven untethered mobile licenses — and there are now seven active online sportsbooks in the state.

Bally Bet joined the field in July 2024 as the most recent entrant. The competition is fierce — operators are chasing eyeballs the way a player chases birdies on a final stretch.

Rules, taxes, and the college caveat

To place a legal wager in Massachusetts you must be at least 21 years old. Taxation-wise, winnings are subject to a 24% federal withholding and a 5% state tax. One notable rule: betting on in-state college teams, such as Boston College, is limited and generally only permitted during major events. So local allegiances sometimes meet regulatory bunkers.

Why a golf writer cares — and why you should too

As someone who spends long days walking fairways and watching players plot lines and numbers, the betting market’s shifts feel familiar. A quieter month is like a round where the wind picks up; smart players adjust their club selection and strategy. The market’s overall growth means more options for fans who like to wager a friendly quid on tournament outcomes or prop bets — but it also reminds us to play smart, manage bankroll like a scorecard, and respect the rules set up to keep the game fair.

And for fans who chase golf odds specifically, remember: major tournaments drive spikes in handle and revenue. A slow July can quickly flip with a big August major or a dramatic Ryder Cup-style event where both interest and wagers surge.

Statewide takeaways

• Handle in July was the lowest monthly total this year, but still well ahead of July last year.
• Online revenue is the dominant source of taxable income from betting; retail remains a niche but profitable part of the offering.
• DraftKings and FanDuel continue to command the market, while other operators hold their ground with varying hold percentages.
• Overall tax revenue for July — combining sports betting and casino income — reached $38.1 million.

FAQ

Quick reference table — July 2025 snapshot

Final putt: the Massachusetts market looks like a long par-4 with room to birdie. July’s quieter pace doesn’t change the bigger picture — growth is steady, competition is fierce, and golf fans who bet should keep their strategy tight and their bankroll disciplined.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Boston Prepares for ACC Tournaments in Tennis and Golf
Massachusetts Lawmakers Introduce the Bettor Health Act
Boston Investigates Robinhood’s New Betting Feature
Massachusetts Investigates Robinhood’s Prediction Markets
Massachusetts Scrutinizes Robinhood’s New Betting Market

Additional Resources

• iGaming Business: Massachusetts Sports Betting Growth
• Sports Betting Dime: Massachusetts Reports Least Profitable Month
• Knox Radio: 10 States That Bet The Most On Sports
• ReadWrite: Massachusetts Online Gambling Bill of 2025
• Legal Sports Report: Massachusetts Sports Betting
• Wikipedia: Sports Betting
• Google Search: Massachusetts Sports Betting
• Google Scholar: Massachusetts Sports Betting
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports Betting
• Google News: Massachusetts Sports Betting

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.