Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise alter 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
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The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was introduced not long after previous 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 currently a Massachusetts expense, it's likely to affect other states that use regulated sports betting.
A closer look at SD 1657 Tax
Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget expense.
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Only 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 greatest.
Prohibiting live betting and prop betting
The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense likewise seeks to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 likewise aims to develop compulsory day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes examining checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.
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Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a price assessment on bettors.
Advertising restrictions
Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this hard to enforce.
Will the measure pass?
The step 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 market fans.
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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 need to encourage 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 inform how it will be gotten.