Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, managed 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles 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 currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This increase would have come in the state's budget plan costs.

Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate betting, this would impact even professional sporting occasions.

The bill likewise seeks to include rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create compulsory daily and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The step would forbid 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 TV deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry fans.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and your 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 measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.