Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer take a 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, however it was rejected. This increase would have been available in the state's spending plan costs.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill likewise looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop necessary daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to remove advertising during televised sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out producing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to implement.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is harsh in its changes 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 combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need 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 inform how it will be received.