Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could also alter dramatically.
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 sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.
This costs was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.
So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to impact other states that offer regulated sports betting.
A closer look at SD 1657
Tax
Beginning 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, but it was declined. This increase would have come in the state's spending plan costs.
Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.
Prohibiting live betting and prop betting
The measure prohibits in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and totals.
While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate wagering, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.
The costs likewise looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 bet.
Player Limits
SD 1657 likewise intends to produce necessary everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability evaluation' which includes examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.
Massachusetts would become the very first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.
Advertising constraints
Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate advertising during televised sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to implement.
Will the procedure pass?
The step is extreme in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.
Because of this, the step 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 initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.