Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total 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 more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was presented not long after previous 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 costs, it's most likely to impact other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, however it was declined. This increase would have been available in the state's budget plan costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits 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 professional sporting events.

The expense also seeks to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which involves 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 cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is harsh 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 industry supporters.

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

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