Latest MA Sports Gambling Legislation Features Substantial Tax Boost & Ban on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise change considerably.

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

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

This expense was introduced not long after previous 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 expense, it’s most likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state’s budget expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also seeks to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of “unjust and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to develop necessary everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost evaluation’ which involves checking checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to implement.

Will the measure pass?

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

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

He would need 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 difficult to inform how it will be received.