Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter significantly.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill 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 regulation.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

Just three 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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college betting, this would impact even professional sporting occasions.

The costs also seeks to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop obligatory everyday 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 assessment' which involves inspecting checking 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 need a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to get rid of marketing during televised sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this hard to enforce.

Will the measure 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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

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