Latest MA Sports Betting Proposal Contains Substantial Tax Hike and Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might also change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed 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 calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter 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 introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it’s most likely to impact other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

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 legislative session, however it was declined. This boost would have come in the state’s budget costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The expense likewise looks for to include bonuses and to the classification of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create compulsory everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves checking 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 cost evaluation on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wishes to eliminate advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The step is extreme in its modifications 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 advocates.

Because of this, the step will likely be battled in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince 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 tell how it will be received.