Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise change 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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 legal session, but it was declined. This boost would have can be found in the state's spending plan expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also looks for to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create mandatory 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 'affordability evaluation' which includes examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The measure 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 industry advocates.

Because of this, the procedure 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 initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.