Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could also change significantly.

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

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was presented 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 currently a Massachusetts bill, 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 actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's spending plan expense.

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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop mandatory day-to-day and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which includes examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

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

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and your 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.