Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, regulated 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" aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was introduced 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 likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This increase would have been available in the state's budget expense.

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 6th highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs likewise seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce necessary everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

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

Because of this, the step will likely be battled in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.