Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might also change dramatically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. 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 costs was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, 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 boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This boost would have been available in the state's budget 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 sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also looks for to include perks 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 cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce mandatory everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which includes inspecting bank accounts. 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 assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing during televised sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this difficult to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

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

Because of this, the measure 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 have to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.