Latest MA Sports Gambling Legislation Includes Substantial Tax Hike and Restriction on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might likewise change 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd 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 former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it’s likely to affect other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 legislative session, however it was rejected. This boost would have come in the state’s spending plan 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 greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The step forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The expense also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of “unreasonable and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create compulsory day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price evaluation’ which includes checking checking 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 limitations

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is harsh in its modifications to the sports betting in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.