Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after former 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 currently a Massachusetts expense, it's most likely to affect other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense likewise seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce necessary day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which involves 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 require a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate marketing during televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure 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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

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