Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.

SD 1657 existed 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 calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

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

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that provide managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 increase would have can be found in the state's spending plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college wagering, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.

The bill also looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce compulsory daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to impose.

Will the step pass?

The step is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and industry fans.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home 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 step, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.