Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.

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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter 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 introduced in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former 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 currently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to impact other states that provide controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting 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 legal session, but it was turned down. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget plan costs.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The costs likewise looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity 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 involves checking savings account. 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.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing during televised sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this tough to implement.

Will the measure pass?

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

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and the House 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 gotten.