Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might also change significantly.

SD 1657 existed 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 requires a complete restriction on live sports betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's most likely to impact other states that offer regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget plan 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 6th greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise seeks to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wishes to remove advertising during televised sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this hard to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is extreme 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 market supporters.

Because of this, the procedure 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 have to encourage 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 inform how it will be received.