Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, regulated 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to impact other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget costs.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest 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 restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

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

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce obligatory daily and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes inspecting checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step 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 market fans.

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

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