Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter drastically.

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total 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 regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 legislative session, but it was declined. This boost would have come in the state's spending plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create obligatory daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to remove advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The measure is harsh 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 measure 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 have to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.