Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise alter considerably.

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

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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 boost would have can be found in the state's spending plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also 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 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to remove marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this difficult to impose.

Will the measure 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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.