Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise alter significantly.

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

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also seeks to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce obligatory day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which involves inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate marketing during televised sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to impose.

Will the step pass?

The step is severe in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the step 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 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 impossible to tell how it will be gotten.