Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Contains Massive Tax Increase & Prohibition on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise change dramatically.

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and .

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles 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 expense, it’s likely to affect other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state’s budget expense.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college betting, this would affect even expert sporting events.

The expense also looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the category of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

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

Massachusetts would become the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing during telecasted sporting events. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry advocates.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.