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

SD 1657 existed 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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that provide 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 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 nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive 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 aims to develop obligatory daily and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is severe 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 fans.

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

He would need to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.