Legal Poker For Massachusetts Residents
Do any opportunities exist for gamers to play legal Massachusetts poker? This is a question commonly asked by gamblers who live in the state, and not without reason; poker remains one of the most popular forms of gaming in the United States, despite the prickly nature of poker laws. Indeed, summarizing the stance taken by the State of Massachusetts can be tough. While there are some legal Massachusetts poker opportunities—in casinos and in homes—as well as some safe online options, there are also some legal complexities that the state’s gamers will want to note.
This page is devoted to exploring those complexities, and also to illustrating some ways in which Massachusetts natives can play poker, either legally or at the very least safely. Established as an education resource for players, the page will analyze some important points about the state’s gaming laws. The page will also make note of some specific ways in which Massachusetts gamers can play poker without fear of legal reproach.
Massachusetts Poker Laws & Statutes
First, we will examine some of the laws that impact Massachusetts’ stance on poker. It is not unreasonable to say that the state’s gambling laws are in flux. In recent years the state has passed legislation approving of up to three full-fledged casinos in the state, and as recently as April of 2013, the development of those casinos was still in the works. All of this suggests that the state has a relatively progressive stance toward gaming—and more and more poker opportunities are sure to open up over time.
For now, Massachusetts gamers can play private, home poker games without fear of legal ramifications. Other kinds of poker are a bit pricklier. Tournament poker is technically prohibited, and online poker, while not expressly condoned, offers a safe option for residents of Massachusetts.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Massachusetts?
Next, we turn to the question of online poker. This is altogether tougher to address, because it requires us to distinguish between that which is legal and that which is safe. Technically and strictly speaking, online poker is not outright condoned by the laws of Massachusetts. With that said, gamers can visit online poker rooms without fearing legal fallout.
The reason for this is that, while online poker may not be expressly condoned, there is no legal liability that falls to players. The legal liability falls to those who own and operate online poker sites. Thus, Massachusetts gamers can play poker without fearing any kind of legal trouble.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Massachusetts?
Here is another way to phrase the question: Will Massachusetts residents get into any kind of trouble for playing in online poker rooms? Are there real risks associated with playing online poker? The answer here is no; while online poker may not be legal in the strictest sense, it is absolutely safe. Massachusetts poker enthusiasts can participate in online games without needing to worry about the law.
Again, the important thing to understand is that the laws of Massachusetts are set up to criminalize and penalize the operation of gaming sites. Playing at an online poker site does not invite legal woes, and playing through a licensed and reputable site leaves no possible chance for even a hint of legal trouble. There are numerous online poker sites that will happily accept the participation of Massachusetts natives.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Massachusetts Players
At the end of the day, taking up a new hobby playing online poker can be mystifying. There just aren’t a lot of great places you can go for information. Luckily, we’ve compiled this list of excellent legal poker sites so that you may join the thousands of Massachusetts residents who have already taken up the exciting and potentially profitable hobby.
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Massachusetts
If you live in Massachusetts and want to play online poker, the choice is extremely clear… Bovada Poker. That’s because Massachusetts residents are allowed to register for an account and deposit with ease. Literally, residents can be playing in an online poker tournament, at the ring games, or in a sit n go tourney in a matter of minutes.
What kind of games do they have? Of course, they’ve got Texas Hold’em but poker is so much more than that. Games like Omaha, 7 Card Stud along with variations of these are all available. What’s more is that Bovada has a poker table that will fit the stakes you want to play for. Ring games as low as $.01-$.02 and tournaments with buy-ins at $1 + $.10 run all the time… but that doesn’t mean Bovada doesn’t have high stakes games that pay big. Proof of this can be found in their $150,000 guaranteed tournament that runs every week on Sunday afternoon.
SportsBetting Poker - All Massachusetts Players 18+ Welcome Here
If you are a Massachusetts resident and are in the market for a good legal online poker room, it would be wise to check out one of the fastest growing poker rooms in the world hosted over at SportsBetting. Having been serving American citizens for almost 10 years, you may think that SportsBetting would have some strong endorsements from its tightly knit community of users, and you would be right. Perhaps even more impressive though are the ringing endorsements the SportsBetting network has from major media outlets like ESPN or the USA Today. It’s a sure thing that these media giants do not hand out their accolades lightly.
In order to prove to new users that this legal poker site for Massachusetts residents deserves all the acclaim it gets and more, SportsBetting will practically give you money just for playing in their poker room. When you start up a new account, with a special promotion run for first time users, you will find you are eligible to earn back 200% of your deposit in free bonus money to use in the poker room. How do you earn this money back? From playing poker! That’s right, SportsBetting poker will literally give away free money for simply using their product. What could make a deal more enticing than that?
| Legal Massachusetts Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo |  |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |  |
Does Massachusetts Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
The next question to address is that of poker’s legality—specifically, the legality of land-based, live poker games. We have already noted that home games are fine, and that casino-style play may one day prove a viable option for Massachusetts gamers. For now, many surrounding states offer casino poker play that Massachusetts itself does not quite match. A trip to Atlantic City, or to Connecticut, may be the best option for Massachusetts natives seeking live table games, outside of private dwellings.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Massachusetts Players
As for precisely where Massachusetts residents can play poker, there are really only a couple of options. For live, land-based play, home games are the safest ways to play. One day, casino play will likely be a much more viable option for gamers in the state, but for now, driving to Connecticut or to New Jersey is the best way to find a real, casino-style poker table.
Much easier is to play online. Again, online poker rooms are not only safe and secure for Massachusetts residents, but they are also readily accessible. There are numerous online poker sites where the state’s gambling enthusiasts can find plenty of poker action.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Massachusetts
As we have indicated already, Massachusetts may not be the single most permissive state in the union, as far as gambling is concerned. That hardly means the state is bereft of gambling opportunities, though, nor does it means that the future does not hold some promise for further ways to play. Recent legislation has opened the doors to casino development in Massachusetts, and as more and more states embrace the full legalization of online gaming, it is not unreasonable to suggest that the same could hold true for Massachusetts. Only time will tell.
Until then, those who live in Massachusetts and love to play poker are hardly without ample chances to do so. Online poker is the best and most convenient option, and while it is not necessarily approved by the state’s lawmakers, it is absolutely a safe option. Massachusetts gamers can participate in online poker games without having to worry about getting into trouble with the law.
