Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, regulated 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban 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 stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs 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 policy.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the boost, 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 declined. This increase would have been available in the state's budget plan bill.

Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college wagering, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.

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

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create compulsory everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is extreme 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 fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought 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 procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.