Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might also change significantly.

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 ban on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles 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 regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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 declined. This boost would have been available in the state's budget plan bill.

Just 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 greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce compulsory daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes inspecting checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

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

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

He would have 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 impossible to tell how it will be received.