Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might also 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 present 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 point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present 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 provide managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The costs likewise seeks to include benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce compulsory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need an affordability assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising throughout televised sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The step is harsh 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 fans.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.