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

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

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill 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 current 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 most likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget bill.

Only three 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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill likewise looks for to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create obligatory daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which involves examining savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

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

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.