Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might also change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed 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 betting) and prop bets.

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

This bill was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed 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 use controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 legal session, however it was declined. This increase would have been available in the state's budget costs.

Only three 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 prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense also looks for to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop mandatory daily 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 bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to remove advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads 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 TV offers make this tough to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure 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 industry supporters.

Because of this, the procedure 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 have to persuade 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 inform how it will be gotten.