New MA Sports Betting Proposal Features Massive Tax Hike and Prohibition on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter dramatically.

SD 1657 was presented 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 ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it’s likely to impact other states that provide controlled 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 boost at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state’s budget expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college betting, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The expense also looks for to include bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of “unjust and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise to develop compulsory daily and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price evaluation’ which involves examining savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of advertising throughout televised sporting events. The measure would restrict 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 TV offers make this tough to impose.

Will the measure pass?

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

Because of this, the procedure will likely be fought in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince 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.