Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed 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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after previous 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 expense, it's likely to affect other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill likewise seeks to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create mandatory day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which involves inspecting 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 price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to enforce.

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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry advocates.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and your home 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.