Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation Contains Substantial Tax Boost & Restriction on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter considerably.

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 calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

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

A closer 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 turned down. This increase would have can be found 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 currently ranks 6th highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate betting, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The costs likewise looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust 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 develop necessary day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wishes to remove marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this difficult 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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working 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 impossible to tell how it will be received.