Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, managed 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" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to affect other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 rejected. This increase would have been available in the state's budget plan expense.

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 greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop necessary daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to impose.

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 result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

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

He would need to encourage 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 gotten.