Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter drastically.

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

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. 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 presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect 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 boost at the last legislative session, however it was turned down. This boost would have been available in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college sports betting, this would impact even professional sporting occasions.

The costs also looks for to include benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop mandatory daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which involves inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to remove advertising during telecasted sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is extreme 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 industry fans.

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

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.