When you Use A Registered Sportsbook Throughout Massachusetts

Online sports betting in Massachusetts has finally begun. Now that the floodgates are open, bettors in the state should make sure they’re using a legitimate licensed sportsbook instead of an offshore one.

Offshore companies are unregulated, and they won’t provide the same level of safety and security as authorized sportsbooks in Massachusetts. Authorities have worked hard to ensure that everyone has access to plenty of authorized Massachusetts betting options.

Legitimate vs . overseas Massachusetts sportsbooks

Massachusetts gamblers now have access to six legal online sportsbooks. These companies could take in over $4 billion worth of bets during the industry’s first year.

Even more companies will be opening for business shortly. Massachusetts has approved 11 betting licenses, so more sportsbook options are on the way.

These betting apps have gone through the approval process with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), which means they’re following strict guidelines to keep their customers safe.

This stands in stark contrast to offshore sportsbooks, which operate by their own rules. “Offshore” is essentially slang for “unregulated” in the sportsbook world.

These companies operate in a sort of online betting gray market, where they don’t have to adhere to Massachusetts regulations.

Approved Ma sportsbooks deliver protection

And when it comes down to it, what’s the difference between using a legitimate sportsbook versus an offshore one? It all comes down to player protection.

Let’s say you use an offshore sportsbook to place a longshot bet on the Boston Celtics, and your bet hits! You’re due for a big payday.

You log into the sportsbook where you placed your bet, but wait, there’s a problem with your account. The company never paid you your winnings, and the money you used to place the bet is gone as well.

Unfortunately, this is a risk when you’re using offshore sportsbooks. Since these companies don’t operate under US regulations, they’re under no obligation to play by the rules.

You’re putting yourself at risk when you choose an offshore sportsbook over a regulated one in Massachusetts.

Wagering tax funds for Ma

The money from betting at offshore companies doesn’t flow into the state’s economy.

When you place a losing bet, legitimate betting apps won’t take away any portion of your money. Massachusetts will collect some of it as taxes and then use that money to improve the state.

That’s different from unregulated sportsbooks that don’t send anything back to the community.

Considering that Massachusetts sports betting may eventually handle $5.6 billion of annual sports bets, there’s a lot of money at stake here.

Ways to tell the difference in between legal and even offshore sportsbooks

Using a legitimate approved sportsbook over an offshore one is important, but it’s not always easy to tell which is which.

Unregulated sportsbooks often market themselves as if they’re approved in states like Massachusetts, when in fact, it’s just a lie.

A quick way to spot an illegal betting company is if the website’s URL includes “.ag” in the name. This is a common characteristic for many offshore sportsbooks.

However, the easiest way to find out for sure if the sportsbook you’re considering is legitimate is to check this page. PlayMA has a complete list of every legal sportsbook in Massachusetts, which is constantly updated.

Sports betting should be enjoyable, but it’s important to stay safe when placing your bets. Licensed sportsbooks are the way to go to make that happen, so make sure to avoid offshore companies now that legal online sports betting in Massachusetts has started.