Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could also change significantly.

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

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, however it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget plan expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also seeks to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category 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 likewise intends to produce compulsory everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves checking checking 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 an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing during televised sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this tough to impose.

Will the step 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 fought in the Senate and the 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 measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.