Massachusetts Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Options, and What’s Next

Massachusetts does not currently offer regulated real‑money online poker, but the state’s gaming landscape has continued to evolve in recent years. While players cannot access licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars or WSOP Online, there are still legal ways to play online poker in the Commonwealth today.

In the absence of regulated online poker, Massachusetts players primarily turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play poker apps. These options allow players to enjoy online poker either for entertainment or for cash‑equivalent prizes, even though they operate outside the state’s formal gambling framework.

At the same time, Massachusetts lawmakers have periodically revisited the idea of legalizing online casino gaming. Although no iGaming bill has passed so far, online poker in the US is typically treated as a casino game and would likely be addressed through regulation if Massachusetts were to approve online casinos in the future.

This guide explains the current legal status of online poker in Massachusetts, the sweepstakes options available today, and what ongoing iGaming discussions could mean for players going forward.

Is Online Poker Legal in Massachusetts?

Online poker is not currently legal or regulated in Massachusetts. The state does not license real‑money online poker sites, and players cannot legally deposit and withdraw money on platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Massachusetts follows a permission‑based gambling model, meaning gambling activities are prohibited unless specifically authorized by law. While the state has legalized online sports betting and operates several land‑based casinos, online casino gaming — including online poker — has not yet been approved.

That said, Massachusetts lawmakers have revisited online casino legislation multiple times in recent years. In states where online casinos are legalized, online poker is typically treated as a casino game and addressed through regulation rather than separate poker‑specific legislation. If Massachusetts were to legalize online casino gaming in the future, online poker would likely be handled during the regulatory process overseen by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Until any such legislation passes and regulations are adopted, regulated real‑money online poker remains unavailable in the Commonwealth.

Sweepstakes Online Poker in Massachusetts

While Massachusetts does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are legally available to players in the Commonwealth. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations and offer a way to play online poker for prizes that can be redeemed for cash.

Sweepstakes poker sites use a dual‑currency model. Players purchase Gold Coins, which are used for free‑play and social poker games and have no cash value. When Gold Coins are purchased, players typically receive Sweepstakes Coins as a reward. Sweepstakes Coins can be used to enter eligible poker games and may be redeemed for real‑money prizes, subject to each platform’s rules and verification process.

Because they are not classified as gambling sites, sweepstakes poker platforms are accessible in states like Massachusetts where regulated online poker has not yet been legalized. As a result, sweepstakes poker has become the primary option for Massachusetts players looking to play online poker for cash‑equivalent prizes.

It’s important to understand that sweepstakes poker sites are not regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Game selection, liquidity, prize structures, and consumer protections differ from those found in regulated online poker markets.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Massachusetts

Because Massachusetts does not yet regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are currently the primary way players in the state can play online poker for cash‑equivalent prizes. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations and are legally accessible in Massachusetts.

Below are informational profiles of sweepstakes poker platforms available to Massachusetts players. These are not rankings. For a broader explanation of how this model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a sweepstakes‑based online poker platform built to closely resemble a traditional online poker room. Players purchase Gold Coins for social play and typically receive Sweepstakes Coins as a reward. Sweepstakes Coins can be used in eligible poker games and redeemed for cash prizes, subject to verification.

The platform focuses primarily on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em and offers both cash‑game‑style tables and tournament formats. Its familiar structure makes it a common option for players with experience in regulated poker markets. Learn more in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest‑running sweepstakes poker platforms in the US and is available to players in Massachusetts. It uses a dual‑currency system, allowing players to purchase Gold Coins for free‑play games while receiving Sweeps Coins that can be used in games offering redeemable prizes.

Global Poker offers a wide selection of formats, including ring games, sit‑and‑go tournaments, and multi‑table tournaments, and generally provides deeper liquidity than many newer sweepstakes poker sites. See our Global Poker review for more details.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform operated by the World Poker Tour brand. It combines elements of subscription poker with sweepstakes‑style prize redemptions, offering a poker‑only experience rather than a full social casino.

Players purchase Gold Coins for play and can participate in poker games that award prizes redeemable for cash. The platform focuses on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em and appeals to players looking for a branded, tournament‑friendly poker environment. Read more in our ClubWPT Gold review.

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us operates as a sweepstakes casino platform that includes poker alongside other casino‑style games. Players purchase Gold Coins and typically receive Sweepstakes Coins, which can be used in eligible games and redeemed for cash prizes.

Poker is a smaller part of the overall offering compared to dedicated sweepstakes poker sites, but Stake.us may appeal to players looking for a broader social gaming experience that includes poker. For more, see our Stake.us review.

What’s Next for Online Poker in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts does not currently regulate online casino gaming, but lawmakers have revisited iGaming proposals multiple times since the launch of legal sports betting. While no bill has passed so far, discussions around online casinos — including online poker — continue to surface during legislative sessions.

In most US states with regulated iGaming, online poker is treated as a casino game and implemented through regulation rather than separate poker‑specific legislation. If Massachusetts were to legalize online casino gaming in the future, online poker would likely be addressed during the regulatory process overseen by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Even if legislation advances, a regulated online poker market would not launch immediately. Rulemaking, licensing, and technical approvals would likely push any rollout into a later year. Until then, Massachusetts players remain limited to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play poker options.

For now, any change to the status of online poker in Massachusetts depends on whether iGaming legislation gains traction and how state regulators choose to structure a future market.

Massachusetts Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts does not currently regulate real‑money online poker. Players cannot legally play on licensed poker sites such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Can you play online poker for money in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts players cannot access regulated real‑money online poker sites. However, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are legally available and allow players to redeem prizes for cash under sweepstakes rules.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in Massachusetts?

Yes. Sweepstakes poker sites operate under US sweepstakes law and are legally accessible in Massachusetts. These platforms are not regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and use a dual‑currency system.

Does Massachusetts have any regulated online gambling?

Massachusetts regulates online sports betting and allows land‑based casino gaming. Online casino games, including online poker, have not yet been legalized.

Will Massachusetts legalize online poker?

Massachusetts lawmakers have periodically considered online casino legislation. In most US iGaming states, online poker is treated as a casino game and handled through regulation rather than separate poker‑specific laws. If Massachusetts legalizes online casinos, online poker would likely be addressed during the regulatory process.

When could online poker launch in Massachusetts?

Even if online casino legislation passes, a regulated online poker market would not launch immediately. Rulemaking, licensing, and technical approvals would likely delay any launch by at least several months, potentially longer.

Can I play PokerStars or WSOP Online in Massachusetts?

No. PokerStars and WSOP Online only operate in states where online poker is legal and regulated. Neither platform is currently available in Massachusetts.

Are offshore online poker sites legal in Massachusetts?

Some offshore poker sites accept players from Massachusetts, but Pokerfuse does not recommend using them. These sites are not regulated by US authorities and offer limited consumer protections compared to legal alternatives.