Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also change dramatically.

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

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting 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 legislative session, however it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's spending plan bill.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest 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 forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill also looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce necessary everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves inspecting bank accounts. 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 assessment on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wants to remove advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

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

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

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