Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might also change dramatically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live sports betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This increase would have come in the state's budget bill.

Just 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also seeks to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive 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 likewise aims to develop necessary day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the step 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 industry fans.

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