Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise change drastically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current 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 most likely to impact other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, 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 turned down. This increase would have been available in the state's budget plan costs.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs likewise seeks to include benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce obligatory everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which involves inspecting savings 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 cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

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

Will the step pass?

The measure is extreme in its changes 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 industry fans.

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 need to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be gotten.