Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states could likewise change drastically.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense 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 expense, it's most likely to affect other states that provide managed 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, but it was declined. This increase would have been available in the state's budget expense.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise looks for to include rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop mandatory daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which involves examining bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wishes to remove marketing during telecasted sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this tough to impose.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is harsh in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

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

He would need to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.