Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states could likewise alter dramatically.

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

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former 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 costs, it's likely to impact other states that use 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 boost at the last legal session, but it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The expense likewise seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop obligatory everyday and 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 inspecting bank accounts. A gamer 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 assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to impose.

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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working 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 inform how it will be received.