Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter drastically.

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

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill 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 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 expense, it's likely to affect other states that provide controlled sports betting.

A closer take a 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 boost at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget plan expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill also seeks to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce compulsory daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes inspecting 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 evaluation on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during 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 TV offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is severe 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 fans.

Because of this, the step 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 persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.