Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might also 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 present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. 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 former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This increase would have been available in the state's budget plan costs.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill likewise seeks to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce mandatory daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes checking bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising during televised sporting events. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

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

He would have 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 inform how it will be received.