New Massachusetts Sports Gambling Legislation Contains Massive Tax Boost and Restriction on Real-Time Betting

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

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 requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it’s most likely to impact other states that provide controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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 increase would have been available in the state’s budget plan expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate wagering, this would impact even professional sporting events.

The costs likewise looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost evaluation’ which includes checking bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing throughout televised sporting events. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this difficult to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is extreme in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

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

He would have to convince 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.