Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise change considerably.

SD 1657 existed 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 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 more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to know 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 existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to impact other states that use regulated 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 declined. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college betting, this would impact even expert sporting events.

The bill likewise looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create obligatory daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which includes checking bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing during telecasted sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The step 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 market 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 persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.