Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states could also change considerably.

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 requires a total 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 more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to impact other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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 sixth greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also seeks to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create mandatory daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes checking savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wants to remove advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is harsh 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 procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince 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 inform how it will be received.