Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter considerably.

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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 legislative session, however it was declined. This increase would have been available in the state's budget bill.

Just three 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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live sports 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 constraints on college wagering, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The expense likewise seeks to include benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create 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 'affordability assessment' which involves inspecting bank accounts. 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.

Advertising constraints

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

Will the procedure pass?

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

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

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