Massachusetts

Last updated: 3/13/2026

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Poker laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific legal questions about hosting poker games.

Private home poker in Massachusetts is generally lawful by omission rather than by an express exemption: M.G.L. c. 271, Section 2 penalizes playing cards or other games for money in a public conveyance, a public place, or a private place where the player is trespassing, and does not reach a game in a private residence. The state has a developed commercial casino industry, and charitable gaming is licensed by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.

Home Games

Generally Legal

M.G.L. c. 271, Section 2 does not create an express 'social gambling exception.' It prohibits playing at cards, dice, or any other game for money in a public conveyance or public place, or in a private place upon which the player is trespassing (except as permitted under c. 23K and c. 23N). A private, no-rake game among friends in a private dwelling falls outside that prohibition, but other provisions of c. 271 (including those on keeping a common gaming house and setting up or permitting games) can apply if the host profits or the game becomes commercial.

Conditions

Game must be in a private dwelling or other private place where participants are not trespassing
No person may receive compensation for hosting or running the game
No person may take a rake or percentage of any pot
All participants must be players on equal terms
Game must be social — not operated as a business or advertised to the public

Age: 18+

Charitable Gaming

Legal - Licensed & Regulated

Charitable gaming is regulated by the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, not the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Under M.G.L. c. 10, Sections 37-38, the Lottery has exclusive regulatory authority over beano (bingo) and charitable gaming tickets; the four authorized forms of charitable gambling are beano, charitable gaming tickets, raffles, and bazaars (casino or 'Las Vegas' nights). Qualifying organizations must obtain a Lottery license plus local approval, and public charities must also be registered with the Attorney General's Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division.

License: Required

Commercial Poker

Legal - Licensed & Regulated

Massachusetts has three gaming licenses: Encore Boston Harbor (resort casino), MGM Springfield (resort casino), and Plainridge Park (slots only). Encore and MGM offer poker rooms.

Key Statutes

M.G.L. c. 271, Section 2 — Gaming or Betting in Public Conveyance or Place or While Trespassing in Private Place

Prohibits playing cards, dice, or other games for money in a public conveyance or public place, or in a private place while trespassing (except as permitted under c. 23K and c. 23N); private social games in a private dwelling fall outside its scope

View statute

M.G.L. c. 23K — The Massachusetts Gaming Act

Authorizes and regulates commercial casino gaming in Massachusetts

View statute

M.G.L. c. 23N — Sports Wagering

Authorizes and regulates sports wagering; now referenced as an express carve-out in c. 271, Section 2

View statute

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