Massachusetts Sports Betting Surges to $14.5 Billion Amid March Madness

Sports betting in Massachusetts has seen significant growth since its legalization over two years ago, with total wagers reaching $14.5 billion, fueled in part by high activity during events like March Madness. Despite this surge in sports betting, overall gaming revenue in the state was flat year-on-year in March, with land-based and online gaming generating $157.2 million. Casino revenue from slots and table games was down 5.4% compared to the previous year, though sports betting revenue rose 12.7% year-over-year but fell 20.5% from the previous month. Meanwhile, the Kentucky Derby remains a major national betting event, drawing record wagering handles and serving as a key customer acquisition period for sportsbooks, especially those with dedicated horse racing platforms. Operators like FanDuel and DraftKings are leveraging promotions and live content to capture new users and handle spikes during the Derby. The event is also a critical test for app performance and brand exposure, particularly among casual and first-time bettors.