Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might also alter 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 present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles 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 policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to impact other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state's budget plan costs.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also seeks to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop necessary day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes inspecting checking 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 an affordability assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wishes to remove marketing throughout televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this hard to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is severe 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 market fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.