Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise change significantly.

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

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand 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 present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to affect other states that use controlled 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, but it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's budget 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 sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate sports betting, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The expense also looks for to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce mandatory day-to-day and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this difficult to implement.

Will the procedure 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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.

Because of this, the procedure 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 need to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.