Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might also alter significantly.

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

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing 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 likely to impact other states that use managed 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 legislative session, however it was rejected. This increase would have been available in the state's spending plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate sports betting, this would affect even expert sporting events.

The bill likewise seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create obligatory daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes checking savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

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

Will the procedure pass?

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

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be gotten.