Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, managed 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

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

This costs 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 policy.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate sports betting, this would impact even expert sporting events.

The costs likewise seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop necessary daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to remove marketing during telecasted sporting events. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is harsh 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 industry fans.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.