Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed 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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

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

This bill 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 guideline.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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 legislative session, however it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget costs.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill also seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create necessary daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which involves inspecting bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting events. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The step is harsh in its changes 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 market fans.

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

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