Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise alter significantly.

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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current 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 impact 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 legal session, however it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's budget bill.

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 measure restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill likewise seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop necessary daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wants to eliminate marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The procedure 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 TV deals make this difficult to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is harsh in its changes 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 market advocates.

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

He would need to encourage 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.