Massachusetts sports betting might look completely 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 drastically.

SD 1657 existed 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game sports 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 guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present 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 impact other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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 legislative session, however it was declined. This increase would have come in the state's spending plan costs.

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 greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill likewise looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading 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 likewise intends to produce mandatory day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate marketing during televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is extreme 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 advocates.

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 need to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.