Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise alter significantly.

SD 1657 existed 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 complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after previous 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 costs, it's likely to impact other states that offer regulated sports betting.

A closer take a 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 increase at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget plan bill.

Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop necessary day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which involves inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require a price assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing throughout televised sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The step is extreme 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 fans.

Because of this, the step 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 need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.