Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise alter drastically.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember 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 expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs 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 regulation.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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 legal session, but it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state's spending plan costs.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create mandatory daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step 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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and your home 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 effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.