Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states could likewise change dramatically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, 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 actually been at the forefront 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 introduced in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was declined. 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 presently ranks sixth highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate 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 money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce necessary day-to-day and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might 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 end up being the first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wants to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The step 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 battled 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 measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.