Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change considerably.

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

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense resembles 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 guideline.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that use controlled 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 legal session, but it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's budget expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs likewise seeks to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create compulsory everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes checking checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to remove marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this difficult to impose.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is severe 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 market advocates.

Because of this, the measure will likely be battled 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.