Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states could also change significantly.

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

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 rejected. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget plan costs.

Only 3 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 restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill likewise looks for to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce obligatory daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes examining checking 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 cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising during televised sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The step is extreme in its changes 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 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 persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.