Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could also change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know 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 introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

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

A closer 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, however it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college sports betting, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The expense also looks for to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop necessary daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this hard to implement.

Will the measure 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 advocates.

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