Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might also alter considerably.

SD 1657 existed 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 requires a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill 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 present 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 provide managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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 rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate betting, this would impact even expert sporting events.

The expense likewise looks for to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce obligatory daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is severe in its changes 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 advocates.

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