Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise alter considerably.

SD 1657 existed 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent 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 presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill likewise looks for to include benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create compulsory daily and month-to-month 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 checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is harsh 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 industry advocates.

Because of this, the step will likely be battled in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.