Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter drastically.

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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

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

This bill was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing 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 provide regulated 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, but it was declined. This increase would have come in the state's budget plan costs.

Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate sports betting, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The expense likewise seeks 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" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise 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 'price assessment' which includes checking savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

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

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed 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 difficult to tell how it will be received.