Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise alter considerably.

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point 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 expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's most likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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 legislative session, however it was turned down. This increase would have been available in the state's budget costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also seeks to include benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create compulsory 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 examining savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is severe in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

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

He would need 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 difficult to inform how it will be gotten.