Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise alter significantly.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced 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 regulation.

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

A closer take a 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 legal session, however it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's spending plan costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The costs also looks for to include rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

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

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a price assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising throughout televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this hard to impose.

Will the measure 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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and industry fans.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.