Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could also change drastically.

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game wagering) 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 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college sports betting, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The costs also seeks to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce mandatory day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is severe in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed 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 step, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.