Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.

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 bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing 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 affect other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 can be found in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs likewise looks for to include rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop necessary daily and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes 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 an affordability assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to remove advertising throughout televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

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 effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.