Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, however it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state's spending plan expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college betting, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The costs likewise seeks to include rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create compulsory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wishes to eliminate advertising throughout televised sporting occasions. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is harsh in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.