Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states might also change significantly.

SD 1657 existed 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%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live sports betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The second thing to know 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 presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer take a 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 rejected. This boost would have come in the state's budget expense.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The also seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop necessary everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wants to remove marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this hard to impose.

Will the step pass?

The procedure 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 supporters.

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