Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could also change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was presented 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 costs, it's most likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, but it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce compulsory everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is severe 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 combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need 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 impossible to tell how it will be gotten.