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

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 betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd 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 costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to affect other states that provide managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also looks for to include benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

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

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing during televised sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The step is extreme in its modifications 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 step will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.