Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise alter significantly.

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

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The second 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 costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a 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 legal session, but it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's budget expense.

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 sixth highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create necessary daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes checking checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wants to get rid of marketing during televised sporting occasions. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The step is harsh in its modifications 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 market fans.

Because of this, the step 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 need to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to inform how it will be gotten.