Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also change significantly.

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 complete restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense 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 present 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 regulated sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate boost, 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 boost would have been available in the state's budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill likewise looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create necessary day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

The step is extreme in its modifications 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 step will likely be fought in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.