Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could also alter 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 total 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 know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after previous 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 presently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to affect other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, however it was turned down. This boost would have been available in the state's budget bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce mandatory everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which involves examining savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing throughout televised sporting events. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to implement.

Will the measure pass?

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

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

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