Massachusetts’ sports betting market closed the year with a new revenue record in December, underscoring the continued expansion of online wagering even as overall betting activity cooled slightly from November’s peak.

Adjusted gross sports betting revenue reached an all-time high of $98.5 million for the month, according to data released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The figure was 3.8% higher than the previous record of $94.9 million set just one month earlier and represented a 71.3% increase compared with December of the prior year.

The December performance also translated into a new high for taxable gaming revenue from sports wagering, reinforcing the sector’s growing contribution to state finances. Gross gaming revenue before adjustments climbed to $102.5 million, marking the first time monthly sports betting revenue in Massachusetts exceeded the $100 million threshold.

Developments

Online betting continued to dominate the market, accounting for $97.1 million of adjusted gross revenue, while land-based sportsbooks contributed just $1.3 million. This imbalance reflects the structural reality of the state’s betting ecosystem, where digital platforms have consistently captured the vast majority of player activity since launch.

Despite the revenue gains, total betting handle declined from November’s record level. Players wagered $845.3 million during December, down 7.6% from November’s $914.7 million but still 7.2% higher than the handle recorded in December 2024. The statewide hold rate for the month stood at 11.65%, helping to offset the lower volume of bets and drive record revenue.

DraftKings remained the clear market leader among online sportsbook operators in Massachusetts. The company generated $53.4 million in taxable gaming revenue from $447.5 million in bets, resulting in a 11.93% hold. That performance left DraftKings well ahead of its nearest competitor and reinforced its entrenched position in the state. FanDuel continued to rank second, posting $25.6 million in revenue off a $202.2 million handle for a 12.66% hold. Fanatics held onto third place with $8.3 million in revenue from $79.2 million in wagers, translating to a 10.48% hold.

BetMGM followed with $5.5 million in revenue from $50.4 million in bets, while Penn National’s theScore Bet, formerly ESPN Bet, reported $2.3 million off a $24.1 million handle. Caesars generated $1.6 million from $25.5 million in wagers, posting the lowest hold among major operators at 6.27%. Bally Bet rounded out the market with $397,137 in revenue from $4.6 million in bets.

In the retail segment, Encore Boston Harbor led land-based sportsbooks with $654,688 in revenue and an 11.42% hold. The remaining retail revenue was split between MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino.

December’s results reflect the continued strength of online sports betting in Massachusetts, with higher hold rates offsetting a month-on-month decline in wagering volume

Casino Gaming Slips Year-on-Year

While sports betting reached new highs, Massachusetts’ land-based casino sector showed signs of softness. Gross gaming revenue across the state’s three commercial casinos totaled $97.9 million in December, a decline of 4.5% year-on-year and also below November’s performance.

Slot machines generated $69.5 million, while table games contributed $28.4 million. Encore Boston Harbor remained the dominant casino property with $61.8 million in revenue, followed by MGM Springfield at $21.9 million and Plainridge Park Casino at $14.1 million. Combined tax revenue from sports betting and casino gaming reached $47.5 million for the month. Of that total, sports wagering delivered a record $19.6 million, while land-based casinos contributed $27.9 million.

The December figures highlight a clear divergence within Massachusetts’ gaming industry: online sports betting continues to grow rapidly and set new benchmarks, while traditional casino gaming faces modest but persistent pressure. As the market matures, the state’s fiscal returns are increasingly being shaped by the performance of digital wagering platforms rather than brick-and-mortar venues.