Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation Features Substantial Tax Boost and Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might also change drastically.

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

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it’s most likely to impact other states that use regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting 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 legislative session, however it was rejected. This increase would have been available in the state’s budget plan costs.

Only 3 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 prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill likewise seeks to add rewards and same-game parlays to the category of “unreasonable and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost evaluation’ which includes inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the step pass?

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

Because of this, the measure will likely be battled 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 change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.