Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, 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" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second 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 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 presently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's spending plan bill.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce obligatory everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves checking savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to remove advertising during televised sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is severe in its changes 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 fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be combated 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 initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.