Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise alter drastically.

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 calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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, but it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce compulsory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes 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 a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to remove advertising during televised sporting events. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as TV deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The measure 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 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 need to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.