Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might also change significantly.

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 calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

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

This costs was introduced 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 currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate wagering, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The costs also looks for to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce compulsory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining 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 evaluation on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is harsh 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 industry supporters.

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

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