Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Features Substantial Tax Increase & Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise alter significantly.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” aims to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, however it was rejected. This boost would have come in the state’s spending plan bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college wagering, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The costs also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of “unfair and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create necessary everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves examining checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing constraints

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

Will the step pass?

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

Because of this, the step 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 need to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.