Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand 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 former 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 bill, it's likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

Only 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 greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.

The costs likewise looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create obligatory everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might 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 become the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wishes to eliminate advertising throughout televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure 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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the measure 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 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 tell how it will be gotten.