Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter dramatically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to 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 currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to impact other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This boost would have come in the state's budget costs.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

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

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

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wants to get rid of marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is severe in its changes 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 supporters.

Because of this, the measure will likely be battled in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince 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 tell how it will be gotten.