Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise alter 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 present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.
This expense was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.
So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it’s most likely to impact other states that use controlled sports betting.
A closer 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 increase at the last legal session, but it was rejected. This increase would have been available in the state’s budget plan expense.
Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.
Banning live betting and prop betting
The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and totals.
While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college wagering, this would impact even expert sporting events.
The costs also looks for to include benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 also aims to create necessary day-to-day 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 inspecting savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.
Massachusetts would become the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.
Marketing restrictions
Keenan also wishes to remove advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to enforce.
Will the measure pass?
The measure is severe in its changes 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 market advocates.
Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and the House 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 alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.
