Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could also alter drastically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

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

This bill was presented not long after former 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 presently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that offer regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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, however it was declined. This boost would have come in the state's budget plan costs.

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 sixth greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs likewise looks for to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create necessary day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could 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 first market to require a price assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

The measure is extreme in its modifications 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 industry supporters.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

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