Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise alter dramatically.

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

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

This expense was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to affect other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting 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, but it was declined. This increase would have been available in the state's spending plan costs.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college wagering, this would impact even expert sporting events.

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

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop compulsory daily and regular monthly 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 bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is harsh 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 market fans.

Because of this, the procedure 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 initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to inform how it will be gotten.