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

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

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed 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 provide controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate increase, 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 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 sixth highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate wagering, this would affect even expert sporting events.

The costs likewise looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

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

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting occasions. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to 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 stopped working to raise the tax rate.

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