Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states might 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 requires a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd 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 previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that offer 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 boost at the last legislative session, but it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's spending plan expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise looks for to include rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which involves inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wishes to remove advertising during telecasted sporting events. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to impose.

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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.

Because of this, the step will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.