Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might likewise 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 calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. 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 costs 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 guideline.

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

A closer take a 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, however it was declined. This boost would have come in the state's budget expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college wagering, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The expense likewise 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 money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create compulsory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes 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 a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this difficult to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is extreme in its modifications 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 supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to persuade 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 gotten.