Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states could also change considerably.

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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after previous 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 likely to affect 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, but it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state's spending 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 sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate betting, this would impact even expert sporting events.

The costs also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop mandatory daily and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which involves checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to impose.

Will the step pass?

The step is extreme 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 advocates.

Because of this, the step 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 need to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.