Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs likewise looks for to include bonuses 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 deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop obligatory daily 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 involves inspecting checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate marketing throughout televised sporting events. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this difficult to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is extreme 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 industry supporters.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working 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 step, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.