Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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 legal session, but it was turned down. This increase would have been available in the state's budget costs.

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 sixth highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also seeks to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create compulsory everyday 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 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 limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to remove advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is severe 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 industry advocates.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.