Massachusetts Sports Betting In April Enjoys Rise In Revenue – iGaming Post
April 2025 was a watershed month for sports betting in Massachusetts, showcasing significant growth and a dynamic market landscape. The state achieved a remarkable total betting handle of $690.2 million, reflecting a 14.4% increase compared to April 2024.
Substantial Revenue Growth
The gross revenue from sports betting surged to $67.6 million, signifying a 33.6% year-over-year increase. This impressive growth indicates a robust appetite for sports betting in the region and reflects broader industry trends as more players engage with legal betting platforms. The hold percentage, which denotes the amount retained by operators after payouts, climbed to 9.8% in April from 8.4% in the same month last year.
Additionally, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported tax revenue collections of $13.2 million from sports betting operators. This contributes to a year-to-date total exceeding $55 million, underscoring the financial benefits of legalized sports betting for the state.
Month-Over-Month Dynamics
April’s performance starkly contrasted with March 2025, when sportsbook operations diminished due to predictable outcomes in the NCAA tournaments. The resurgence in sports action, predominantly fueled by the NBA and NHL playoffs, significantly boosted operator performance, leading to an impressive 24.7% increase in revenue month-over-month.
Leading Sportsbooks in Massachusetts
The competitive landscape of sports betting in Massachusetts is shaped by several key operators. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top sportsbooks based on their performance in April:
| Online Operator | April Handle | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | $343 million | $38.6 million |
| FanDuel | $185.9 million | $18.4 million |
| BetMGM | $55.1 million | $4.1 million |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | $49.3 million | $3.2 million |
| ESPN BET | $21.7 million | $1.9 million |
| Caesars | $21.1 million | $752,304 |
DraftKings Dominance
DraftKings solidified its position as the market leader with a handle of $343 million, showcasing a 13% increase from the previous year. Although it saw a slight downturn from March’s handle of over $352 million, DraftKings retained its status by generating a significant revenue of $38.6 million.
FanDuel’s Competitive Edge
In second place, FanDuel registered a handle of $185.9 million, down from $208 million in March. With a revenue generation of $18.4 million and a hold slightly below 10%, FanDuel faced competitive pressures, reflecting the challenges inherent in a dynamic market.
Retail Sports Betting Performance
While online betting continues to dominate market share, retail sportsbooks also play a vital role. The retail sector recorded a 5.2% hold from a total handle of $9.7 million, denoting an 8.5% decline from the previous month. This segment illustrates that despite online growth, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks still contribute meaningful revenue streams, emphasizing the importance of a multi-channel approach in the gambling industry.
Conclusion
The April 2025 figures for Massachusetts’ sports betting landscape demonstrate a thriving market with significant year-over-year growth and robust engagement from operators and bettors alike. As the industry continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics within online and retail betting will be crucial for stakeholders aiming to navigate this competitive environment. With the increasing legalization of sports betting across the U.S., players are poised for exciting opportunities and challenges ahead.
