Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise alter drastically.

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

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. 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 bill 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 regulation.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

Just 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.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create mandatory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which includes checking savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need a price assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

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

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

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.