Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter drastically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to 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 testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's spending plan costs.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create mandatory daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which involves examining checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to impose.

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

He would have to encourage 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.