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

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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live sports betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember 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 costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This bill was introduced 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 presently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to impact other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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

Just 3 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 measure prohibits in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense likewise seeks to include 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 money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create compulsory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes examining checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wishes to eliminate advertising during televised sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is severe 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 step will likely be combated in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.