Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise alter significantly.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that provide managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, however it was turned down. This increase would have been available in the state's budget plan expense.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college wagering, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The expense likewise looks for to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce obligatory day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate marketing during televised sporting events. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is harsh in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.