Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might likewise change significantly.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd 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 costs was presented not long after previous 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 costs, it's likely to affect 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 been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This increase would have come in the state's spending plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college betting, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The expense also seeks to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce mandatory daily and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes checking checking 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 require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this difficult to impose.

Will the step 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 advocates.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.