Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might likewise alter significantly.

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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 rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget costs.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college sports betting, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.

The costs also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create compulsory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes examining savings account. A player 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.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

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

Because of this, the procedure 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 procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.