Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change significantly.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was declined. This boost would have come in the state's budget bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop necessary everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which involves checking checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wishes to remove advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The step is harsh in its changes 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 market advocates.

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

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.