Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states could also 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 present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

Only 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 restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The costs also looks for to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce compulsory daily and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which involves checking bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this difficult to impose.

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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the step 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 encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.