New MA Sports Betting Legislation Contains Massive Tax Increase & Restriction on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might also change drastically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” intends to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing 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 controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This increase would have come in the state’s spending plan expense.

Just three 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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate wagering, this would affect even expert sporting events.

The costs likewise seeks to add bonuses 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 intends to develop compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘affordability evaluation’ which includes inspecting savings 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 require a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

The measure is severe in its modifications 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 advocates.

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

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