Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might likewise change considerably.

SD 1657 was presented 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 restriction on live sports betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The costs likewise looks for to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create compulsory everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves examining bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to remove marketing during televised sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry advocates.

Because of this, the step 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 have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.