Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise change drastically.

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

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was introduced 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 expense, it's most likely to impact other states that provide managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's spending plan expense.

Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest 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. Only straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The costs also seeks to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims 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 'affordability evaluation' which involves checking savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure 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 step will likely be fought in the Senate and your house 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 inform how it will be gotten.