Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could also alter dramatically.

SD 1657 was presented 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 calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second 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 previous Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to affect other states that provide controlled 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 legal session, but it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's budget costs.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The costs likewise looks for to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop necessary everyday and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves examining bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate advertising throughout telecasted sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is severe 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 fans.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.