Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.
SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a total 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 stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.
This bill was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.
So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to impact other states that offer controlled sports betting.
A closer look at SD 1657
Tax
Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was turned down. 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 sixth highest.
Banning live betting and prop betting
The procedure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.
While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate wagering, this would impact even professional sporting events.
The expense also seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 likewise intends to create mandatory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves 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.
Marketing limitations
Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting events. The step would forbid sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this hard to enforce.
Will the procedure pass?
The procedure 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 fans.
Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and the 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 measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.
