Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states could likewise 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill 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 policy.

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

A closer take a 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 boost at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state's spending plan expense.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense also looks for to include bonus offers 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 cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop mandatory daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which involves checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is severe in its changes 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 fans.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

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