Massachusetts witnessed a significant spike in sports betting activity in June, largely attributed to the Boston Celtics’ triumphant run to the NBA Finals and their subsequent league championship victory.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported a staggering $509.4 million handle for June, marking a robust 65.1% increase from the same period last year. The majority of this action, totaling $500.7 million, stemmed from online sports betting platforms.
The Celtics’ swift victory over the Dallas Mavericks in June’s best-of-seven series greatly contributed to this surge, as it limited the number of games played but maximized fan engagement and betting activity.
The influx of wagers translated into $42.26 million in gross revenue for the state, reflecting a notable 28% year-over-year increase. Adjusted revenue figures showed $40.46 million, contributing significantly to Massachusetts’ financial gains.
However, settled wagers and gross revenue saw a slight decline from the previous month, largely due to reduced playoff activity overall, despite the Celtics’ impactful performance.
While online platforms flourished, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks faced challenges in June. Retail locations collectively reported $8.6 million in wagers, maintaining parity with the previous year. However, their revenue figures were subdued, with notable losses reported by Plainridge Park Casino and modest gains from MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor.
DraftKings emerged as the dominant player in Massachusetts’ sports betting landscape, generating $19.98 million in gross revenue from a state-high handle of $263.7 million. FanDuel followed with a solid performance, recording a $16.8 million revenue on a handle of $141.4 million.
| Operator | June Handle | June Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | $263.7 million | $19.98 million |
| FanDuel | $141.4 million | $16.8 million |
| BetMGM | $34 million | $2.4 million |
| ESPN BET | $21.8 million | $1.2 million |
| Fanatics | $20.1 million | $1.7 million |
| Caesars | $19.6 million | $30,050 |
Massachusetts’ three land-based casinos collectively contributed $96.08 million in gaming revenue, with Encore Boston Harbor leading the pack. The casino reported substantial earnings from both table games and slots, underscoring its pivotal role in the state’s gaming sector