Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also alter significantly.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This bill was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to impact other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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, however it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state's spending plan bill.

Just 3 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.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The expense also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create compulsory everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising during televised sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during 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 nationwide television deals make this hard to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure 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 market advocates.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and your home 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.