Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states could likewise change significantly.

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

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know 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 introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget 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 greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop necessary day-to-day and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate marketing during televised sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to implement.

Will the step pass?

The measure 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 industry fans.

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

He would need to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to inform how it will be gotten.