Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also change considerably.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

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

This expense was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate increase, 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 boost would have come in the state's budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits 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 constraints on collegiate betting, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.

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

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop obligatory daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The step is severe in its modifications 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 fans.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your home 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 change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.