The NFL draft begins on Thursday in Kansas City, Missouri. Just like there's a bit of a difference between Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas, NFL Draft betting is more nuanced than regular NFL betting.

Betting the NFL Draft is different for obvious reasons: There isn't a winner and loser. It's not a sporting event. It's all arbitrary. You can't account for things like a team letting the clock run out on their pick and getting skipped (Hello, 2003 Minnesota Vikings).

Many states have put restrictions on betting the NFL Draft: Some ban it, some allow it and some allow it with caveats. That last part is where Massachusetts betting sites fall in line.

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Can I Bet on The NFL Draft in Massachusetts?

Betting on the NFL Draft and subsequent major-league drafts is legal on Massachusetts betting apps. But there are some important rules unique to Massachusetts that bettors should be aware of before placing their wagers. 

During a scheduled meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on April 25, staff members reviewed some of the rules and specifics concerning betting on the Draft for Commissioners. 

No new regulations were passed, nor did the MGC alter the betting catalog in any way. This was more an informational exercise for both Commissioners, operators, and the public. But Massachusetts has strict rules in place as to when draft-based wagers can occur. 

NFL Draft Betting in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

All betting is available before the first pick is made on Thursday. Given the nature of the draft (on both broadcast and cable channels) and history of picks being shared on social media before they are formally announced, regulators voiced concern that bettors could get an edge. Bettors could theoretically, they said, place wagers in the short period between when said tweets hit their feeds and the formal announcement of the pick. 

To prevent that, Massachusetts does not allow any round-based picks to be made after the round begins. Those wagers include the number of quarterbacks chosen in a given round, or the amount of players from a certain school or conference.  

Pick-specific wagers must be made two picks in advance. For example, a bet on who will be taken with the No. 15 pick must be made before the No. 13 pick is announced. 

Sports Wagering Division Manager Sterl Carpenter told Commissioners during a meeting on April 25 that the Bay State used the rules in place in Michigan when setting its draft betting catalog. 

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Bruce Band, the MGC’s director of sports wagering, said that the NFL has signed off on the state’s rules in that they “adequately address” any concerns surrounding the draft. 

College-related betting has caused issues in Massachusetts. All three retail Category 1 sports betting operators have been flagged by the MGC for taking illegal bets on in-state teams. But the MGC has yet to announce any penalties or fines against MGM Springfield, Plainridge Park Casino, or Encore Boston Harbor.

Massachusetts law prohibits betting on any college located in the state unless it is involved in a tournament with four or more teams. The state also prohibits all college-based prop wagers. The NFL, too, has been strict and without exception when it comes to enforcing its rules concerning gambling. 

Since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in the 2018 and legalized betting nationwide, seven NFL players have been suspended for either betting on NFL games or placing bets on-site at team facilities. 

Last week, The Shield suspended five players for violating its gambling policy. Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney are out for the entire 2023 season. They may petition for reinstatement after the Super Bowl. 

Detroit WRs Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams received six-game suspensions. They reportedly made non-NFL wagers while physically located at the team’s facility. Their suspensions do not begin until the final NFL roster cutdown.

Where Can I Legally Bet on the NFL Draft?

• Arizona (until the draft starts)
• New Jersey
• Michigan (until Midnight night before draft)
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Ohio
• New Hampshire
• Colorado
• Tennessee
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia (until 8 p.m. night before draft)
• Wyoming

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