Sweepstakes Casinos in Massachusetts

Stakester's Take

Given the flexibility of federal enforcement here, sweepstakes players from Massachusetts are treated to a choice of the very best sweepstakes casinos on the market today. In terms of game selection, redemptions, bonuses, and free play, this is one of the best spots to find yourself. Here are our top choices and their best features:

Massachusetts’s Sweepstakes Casino Laws: Legal Status Explained

Sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts follow the federal law in the USA, establishing that they are legal as long as they provide a free method of entry. This means you will not need to make a purchase when signing up or before playing at any of these casinos. 

They are also required to use a dual-currency system of Gold Coins for fun and Sweep Coins to make prize redemptions. These, in many cases, are implemented as brand equivalents such as at Crown Coins or WOW Vegas.

There is some state law, such as 940 CMR 30.05, which prohibits sweepstakes if deemed to be primarily for gambling as opposed to equal parts as free play.

There have not been any actions taken by the state government against sweepstakes operators as of 2025. However, there has been a class action lawsuit filed against VGW Holdings, which operates industry leaders such as Chumba Casino and Global Poker. 

Other Forms of iGaming

Conversely, Massachusetts currently prohibits real-money online casinos, with none of these being regulated and thus remaining unlicensed. 

Massachusetts Gambling Regulator

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates land-based casinos and sports betting, but its jurisdiction does not extend to sweepstakes casinos.

It is surprisingly the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) that oversees a majority of the social casino sites in Massachusetts. This is undoubtedly a positive, as the MGA licenses some of the best real-money casinos the world over, meaning players in MA can enjoy the best casino games, the highest level of security, and seamless website usage.

Responsible Gaming in Massachusetts

Players in Massachusetts are well taken care of on this front, with MGC’s Research and Responsible Gaming Division running programs like Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) and GameSense, available at all retail casinos.

The Office of Problem Gambling Services (OPGS) is also a resource that players in Massachusetts should make use of. It offers a helpline (800-327-5050) and supports prevention, education, and treatment statewide.

Given the variety of sweepstakes casinos available in the state, we would also suggest only choosing casinos with these responsible gambling measures in place:

• Self-exclusion
• Deposit limits
• Session time limits
• Loss limits
• Reality checks

Tax Requirements When Playing at Sweepstakes Casinos in Massachusetts

All sweepstakes casino winnings are taxable in Massachusetts under state tax regulations. This amounts to a fixed rate of just 5%.

However, players will be less than thrilled to hear that federal tax is still applicable on winnings of $600 and above, under a 24% rate. Players must report all gambling winnings on their state and federal tax returns, using Schedule X for non-lottery wins.

Remember: Gambling losses can be deducted only up to the amount of reported winnings, and only if incurred at licensed in-state casinos.

Latest Regulatory Changes in Massachusetts

There are no regulatory efforts being made to exclude sweepstakes casinos in Massachusetts. In fact, the state government is actively pursuing both legislations, HD 4084 and SD 2240, which would effectively see real-money online casinos legalized.

Other legislative changes include:

• A class-action lawsuit was filed in January 2025 against VGW Holdings for allegedly running illegal gambling under the sweepstakes model.

• No indication that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission or the Attorney General plans to ban or formally regulate sweepstakes casinos in 2025.

• Ongoing debate over consumer protection, tax revenue, and the impact of sweepstakes on the regulated gambling sector.