Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation Features Substantial Tax Boost and Restriction on In-Play Betting

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

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

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

This costs was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it’s most likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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, but it was declined. This increase would have been available in the state’s spending plan expense.

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 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill also seeks to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create compulsory everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves examining bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wants to remove marketing during televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

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

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and your 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.