Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter 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 former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's spending plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading 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 also aims to develop compulsory daily and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which involves examining savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is severe 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 industry fans.

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 encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.