Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might also change 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 requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind 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 bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to impact other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting 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 legal session, however it was turned down. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget plan expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce compulsory everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes examining savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this tough to impose.

Will the step pass?

The step is extreme in its changes 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 battled in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.