Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise change drastically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to 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 regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to affect other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legislative session, however it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state's spending 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 presently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate betting, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.

The costs likewise seeks to include bonuses 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 money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create mandatory everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes examining 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 a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to impose.

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 result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed 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.