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

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 total restriction on live sports betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill resembles 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 policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that offer regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to produce compulsory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes inspecting checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need a price evaluation on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The measure 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 battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.