Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second 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 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 costs, it's most likely to affect other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

Only three 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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids 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 restrictions on college betting, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.

The bill also looks for to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop obligatory daily and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The step is extreme in its changes 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 measure will likely be battled in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.