Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise change significantly.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims 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 wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to 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 affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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, but it was declined. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget plan expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also seeks to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create necessary everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves examining bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising throughout televised sporting occasions. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this difficult to impose.

Will the procedure 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 advocates.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and your home 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.