Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might likewise alter dramatically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was presented 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 presently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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, but it was turned down. This increase would have come in the state's budget plan bill.

Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill also looks for to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce compulsory day-to-day and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes inspecting 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 an affordability assessment on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is extreme in its modifications 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 industry supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and your 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 effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.