Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill 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 present 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 most likely to impact other states that provide controlled 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, but it was rejected. This increase would have been available in the state's budget plan costs.

Only 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 sports betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college wagering, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The costs also looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce mandatory everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes examining bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this difficult to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is harsh in its modifications 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 industry supporters.

Because of this, the measure will likely be battled in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

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