Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states could likewise change significantly.

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

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

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

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting 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 legal session, however it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also 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" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop necessary everyday and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes checking 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 require a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wants to remove advertising throughout televised sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers 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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage 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 tell how it will be gotten.