Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states could also alter drastically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to impact other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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 legal session, but it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also seeks to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create compulsory daily and 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 bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is severe in its changes 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 market supporters.

Because of this, the measure will likely be fought in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

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