Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states could also alter 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 calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was declined. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget plan expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill likewise looks for to include benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce necessary daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The measure is extreme in its modifications 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 supporters.

Because of this, the measure will likely be battled in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.