Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Features Significant Tax Boost & Ban on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise alter drastically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete 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 more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legislative session, however it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state’s budget expense.

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 greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

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

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop necessary everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price evaluation’ which includes checking bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this hard to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is severe 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 battled in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have 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 tell how it will be gotten.