Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter dramatically.

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 requires a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill 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 expense, it's likely to affect other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, 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 declined. This boost would have can be found in the state's spending plan 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 highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also looks for to include benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create necessary everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which includes checking savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing during televised sporting occasions. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and industry fans.

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

He would need to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.