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

SD 1657 was presented 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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 actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This increase would have come in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

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

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

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the procedure 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 industry advocates.

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

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.