Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise change considerably.

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

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent 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 presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that provide managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This boost would have come 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 6th highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate betting, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The costs likewise looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop necessary day-to-day and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes checking checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is extreme 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 measure will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

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