Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise alter considerably.

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%. 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 actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. 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 bill was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

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 highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill likewise seeks to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise 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 checking checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to get rid of advertising throughout televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is severe in its modifications 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 market 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 need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.