Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Features Significant Tax Hike & Ban on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look completely 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 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 present tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live sports betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

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

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also looks for 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 amount of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price assessment’ which involves checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to remove marketing during televised sporting occasions. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is extreme 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 advocates.

Because of this, the procedure 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 initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.