Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might likewise change considerably.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind 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 resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after former 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 costs, it's most likely to impact other states that offer regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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

Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The costs also looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create necessary day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes checking 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 cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to remove advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to implement.

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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and your 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.