Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might also 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 present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. 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 bill was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to impact other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

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 sixth highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce obligatory day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves examining bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the step pass?

The measure 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 market fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need 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 difficult to tell how it will be received.