Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise alter 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 calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. 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 bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that use 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 boost at the last legislative session, but it was declined. This increase would have come in the state's budget plan bill.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise seeks 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" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

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

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is extreme in its changes 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 market advocates.

Because of this, the step will likely be combated 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 step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.