New Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Includes Substantial Tax Hike & Restriction on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look totally various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might also change significantly.

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

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was introduced 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 presently a Massachusetts bill, it’s likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

Only three 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.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also seeks 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” percentage, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop obligatory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘affordability evaluation’ which involves examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their .

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the procedure 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 cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be combated in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to inform how it will be gotten.