Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. 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 costs was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was declined. This boost would have can be found in the state's spending plan costs.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce mandatory daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this hard to impose.

Will the measure 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 result in pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.

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