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Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise change considerably.

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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified 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 provide controlled sports betting.

A closer take a 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 legal session, however it was rejected. This increase would have come in the state's budget costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

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

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The measure 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 fought in the Senate and your 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.