Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might also change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for 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 more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles 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 affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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 6th greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The expense also looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create necessary everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this hard to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure 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 supporters.

Because of this, the measure 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 need to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.