Massachusetts’ sports betting industry demonstrated robust growth in July 2025, showcasing an impressive year-on-year rise in handle and revenue despite a seasonal downturn. This performance signals the state’s competitive and resilient market trajectory.
Year-Over-Year Growth Highlights
Handle and Revenue Performance
In July 2025, Massachusetts recorded a sports betting handle of $485.9 million, reflecting an 18.9% growth compared to July 2024. Although this was the lowest monthly total of 2025 so far, it underscores the strong year-over-year trend in market expansion.
Gross revenue reached $49.2 million, climbing 16% from July 2024. The state’s sportsbooks achieved a noteworthy hold rate of 10.1%, surpassing July 2024’s 8.3%. This marked the third consecutive month with double-digit hold rates, a feat not seen since the market’s inception in January 2023.
Performance by Operators
The state’s market gains were driven by contributions from seven online sportsbooks and three retail locations. A breakdown of the leading operators includes:
- DraftKings: $235.9 million in online handle
- FanDuel: $121.6 million in handle
- Fanatics: $55.3 million in handle
- Other operators: BetMGM ($38M), Caesars Sportsbook ($14.8M), ESPN BET ($13.94M), and Bally Bet ($3.73M)
Monthly and Annual Trends
Seasonal Comparisons
Sports betting activity typically slows in July due to the summer sports calendar. In 2025, the total handle declined 8.1% month-over-month, dropping from June’s $525.5 million. The reduction was attributed to lighter schedules, including a week-long MLB All-Star break and limited NFL preseason action.
However, the year-over-year insights were positive. Combined activity for June and July 2025 exceeded $1 billion in wagers, up nearly 9% from the same period in 2024. Gross revenue for this window rose from $84.4 million in 2024 to $100 million in 2025. This smaller seasonal dip, compared to the year prior, reflects a maturing and stabilizing market.
Impact on State Revenue
Massachusetts collected $9.6 million in sports betting taxes during July 2025, raising the year-to-date tax total to nearly $100 million. Since the launch of regulated sports betting, combined taxes from all gaming activities, including casinos, have reached an impressive $2.161 billion.
Key Market Dynamics
Hold Rate and Revenue Growth
The state maintained its double-digit hold rate streak for a third consecutive month, with sportsbooks retaining 10.1% of all wagers. This trend reflects increasing profitability for operators while reducing bettor payouts. Massachusetts’ consistent profitability aligns with a broader U.S. trend of higher win rates for sportsbooks in 2025.
Mitigating Seasonal Challenges
July’s sports schedule posed hurdles due to lighter wagering opportunities, yet the Massachusetts market still thrived. This resilience can be attributed to a strong operator presence and steady annual growth. As the upcoming NFL and NCAA football seasons approach, the market’s momentum is expected to accelerate.
Conclusion
The Massachusetts sports betting market demonstrated its resilience and growth potential in July 2025. Despite seasonal slowdowns, the state posted impressive year-over-year gains in handle, revenue, and tax contributions. With the busy football season on the horizon, Massachusetts is well-positioned for another record-breaking year.
