Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states could also 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's most likely to impact other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer take a 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 increase at the last legislative session, however it was declined. This boost would have come in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college wagering, this would impact even professional sporting occasions.

The costs likewise seeks to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce necessary everyday and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wants to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is extreme in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the procedure 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 persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.