Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might also change drastically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, 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 actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current 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 most likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate increase, 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 declined. This boost would have been available in the state's budget bill.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense likewise seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

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

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to eliminate advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is severe 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 advocates.

Because of this, the step will likely be combated in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed 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 gotten.