Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might likewise alter considerably.

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

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting regulations. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, 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 increase would have been available in the state's spending plan expense.

Just 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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense also looks for 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 quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting checking account. A gamer 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 likewise wishes to eliminate marketing during televised sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this hard to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is extreme in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the measure will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince 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 tell how it will be received.