Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to affect other states that offer regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has 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 been available in the state's budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense also looks for to add bonuses 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 deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce necessary day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing during telecasted sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this tough to implement.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is harsh in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed 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 procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.