Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might likewise change considerably.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also seeks to include rewards 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 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop compulsory daily and regular monthly 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 bank accounts. A player 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 marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is severe in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.

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