Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter significantly.

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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live sports 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 policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 rejected. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college sports betting, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The costs also seeks to include rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop mandatory 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 checking savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The step is severe in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and the House 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.