Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise alter dramatically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete 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 stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state's spending plan costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate betting, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.

The expense also looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop obligatory day-to-day and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes inspecting checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is extreme in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the step will likely be battled 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 initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.