Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could also alter dramatically.

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

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

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

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

A closer 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 rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget bill.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college wagering, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.

The expense likewise looks for to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves checking checking 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 an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is harsh in its changes 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 industry supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.