Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change significantly.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims 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 wagering) and prop bets.

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

This bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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 legislative session, however it was rejected. This increase would have come in the state's budget plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also seeks to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

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

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wishes to remove advertising during televised sporting occasions. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure 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 result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be battled in the Senate and your home 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.