Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might 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 existing 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 thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill 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 current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to impact other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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 legislative session, but it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's spending plan bill.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce obligatory everyday 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 quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wishes to eliminate advertising throughout televised sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the measure pass?

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

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

He would need 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 tell how it will be gotten.