Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise 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 present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter 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 presented 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 presently a Massachusetts costs, it's most 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 been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was declined. This increase would have come in the state's spending plan costs.

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 sixth greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate wagering, this would impact even expert sporting events.

The bill also looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading 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 aims to develop necessary day-to-day and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The step is harsh 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 fans.

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

He would have to convince 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 received.