Massachusetts Sets New Sports Betting Record in October

Massachusetts set a new benchmark for sports wagering performance in October, posting its highest-ever monthly handle at $892.2 million, according to data released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The milestone underscores the continued growth of the state’s sports betting market as operators benefit from peak-season activity driven by NFL and college football schedules. The October total represents an 11.5% increase from the previous record set in September and stands 19.3% higher than the $748.1 million wagered in October 2024. Industry analysts say the year-on-year growth indicates not only increased consumer engagement but also a maturing market where leading operators are solidifying their positions through marketing, product improvements, and ongoing promotional activity.

Online platforms remained the dominant channel for bettors, accounting for $879.2 million of the statewide handle, while the state’s retail sportsbooks contributed $12.6 million. This distribution continues a trend seen across U.S. markets in which in-person wagering plays a small but stable role compared with digital betting. Revenue also climbed sharply. Operators generated $71.3 million in sports betting revenue for the month, up 47.6% from October 2024 and 36.3% above September, though still short of the state’s all-time revenue record of $96.4 million posted in January 2025. Online wagering produced $70.7 million of that total, with retail sportsbooks accounting for just $598,901, reinforcing the dominance of digital products. The statewide hold — the percentage of wagers retained as revenue — settled at 7.99%, consistent with national norms for a high-volume month.

Massachusetts was not alone in reporting strong results. Several states experienced record or near-record betting activity in October, reflecting broader national momentum as the sports calendar hit one of its busiest periods. Pennsylvania reported an all-time high handle, while Michigan recorded record-level betting revenue. These parallel increases suggest that consumer interest remains strong despite debates over advertising saturation and concerns about problem gambling nationwide.

 

Market Share

DraftKings continued to widen its lead in its home state, maintaining a dominant position among online operators. The company generated $38.5 million in revenue from $447.4 million in wagers, an 8.61% hold, placing it well ahead of its closest competitors. DraftKings’ performance reflects both brand familiarity in Massachusetts and the company’s strategic focus on expanding its digital offerings, including same-game parlays and in-app live betting tools that have become core revenue drivers.

FanDuel again ranked second, posting $17.3 million in revenue from $237.3 million in bets — a 7.38% hold. While the gap between the two market leaders remains significant, FanDuel’s position appears secure given its strong national presence and emphasis on creating differentiated promotional incentives. Fanatics moved into third place during the month, reporting $7.5 million in revenue on $82.4 million in handle. Its 9.1% hold was among the highest in the market, reflecting its ongoing integration of sports merchandise loyalty programs with betting rewards.

Other operators posted more modest figures. BetMGM generated $3.6 million from a $55 million handle (6.55% hold), while ESPN Bet recorded $2.1 million in revenue from $27.7 million (7.58% hold) during its continued rollout under its new brand identity. Caesars followed with $1.4 million on $25 million wagered (5.6% hold). Bally Bet, the smallest operator in the state by handle, took in $314,452 from $4.8 million in bets, achieving a 6.69% hold. Collectively, these results highlight a concentrated market where the leading two operators capture the majority of betting volume, while mid-tier and emerging platforms compete for more specialized or niche audiences.

In the retail segment, performance was far more modest. Plainridge Park Casino posted $306,328 in revenue on $5.4 million in handle, resulting in a 5.72% hold and narrowly securing the top position among land-based venues. Encore Boston Harbor followed with $292,573 from $6 million wagered — a 4.91% hold — reflecting stable foot traffic but significant competition from its online counterparts. MGM Springfield reported no revenue despite recording a $1.3 million handle for the month, a rare outcome that operators typically attribute to bettors outperforming the odds across specific events or markets. These results reinforce the limited — though strategically important — role that retail sportsbooks play in the state’s broader gaming ecosystem.

 

Casino Gaming Revenue Tops $96 Million

Beyond sports betting, Massachusetts’ casino sector also posted solid results. Statewide casino gaming revenue reached $96.9 million in October, a 2.3% increase year over year and 1.3% ahead of September, reflecting stable patronage and continued demand for slot and table games. Slot machines generated $71.7 million, while table games contributed $25.1 million, consistent with the state’s typical distribution between the two gaming categories.

Encore Boston Harbor led the market with $57.6 million in casino revenue, maintaining a commanding share of the state’s brick-and-mortar gaming industry. MGM Springfield reported $24.1 million, while Plainridge Park Casino posted $15.2 million, strengthening its position as the state’s primary slots-only venue. Analysts note that while casino gaming growth remains modest compared to the rapid expansion of sports betting, the sector continues to serve as a stable cornerstone for state revenue generation.

 

October’s results reflect sustained growth in both online and retail betting, driven largely by peak-season sports activity and strong consumer engagement

 

State Tax Collections Reach $42.1 Million

State tax collections totaled $42.1 million for October, combining $27.9 million from casino gaming and $14.2 million from sports betting. These funds contribute to several public initiatives, including infrastructure projects, local aid, and responsible gaming programs. The increase in sports betting tax revenue reflects both the higher handle and the continued shift toward online wagering, which carries the state’s highest tax rate among gaming categories.

Overall, October’s performance highlights Massachusetts’ position as one of the nation’s most active and rapidly expanding sports betting markets. With peak sports season continuing into November and December, regulators and operators anticipate sustained growth, though year-end totals will depend on consumer activity during the holiday period and the unfolding NFL postseason landscape.