Sports betting goes live at Plainridge Park, Massachusetts casinos

PLAINVILLE, Mass. (WLNE) — Plainridge Park and Casino was one of three Massachusetts locations to celebrate the opening day of statewide, in-person sports gambling.

Hundreds lined up Tuesday afternoon in the Barstool Sportsbook section of the casino to lay their first wagers.

One gambler yelled, “Massachusetts finally gets their act together!”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Plainridge Park and Casino was capped off by Rob Ninkovich, former New England Patriots linebacker, making the first bet at the sportsbook.

The two-time Super Bowl champion put $50 on the Boston Bruins to win the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals.

“A lot went into [the bet],” said Ninkovich. “The Patriots are out of it, obviously. I couldn’t bet the Eagles obviously. I couldn’t bet on the Chiefs, obviously. So, I felt like the Bruins, you know, they got a good shot at it — so, why don’t we go with the B’s.”

Massachusetts is expected to launch online sports gambling this March. The state expects this to generate up to $65 million in annual tax revenue.

North Grounsell, manager of the Plainridge Park and Casino, has been awaiting this day for years.

“For a long time, the citizens of the commonwealth have had to go elsewhere to be able to place their wagers,” said Grounsell. “To be able to have that opportunity right close to home, at their hometown casino, is just awesome.”

Sports gambling is open to those 21 years and older.