Latest MA Sports Betting Legislation Features Massive Tax Increase & Prohibition on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look completely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might likewise 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was introduced 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 presently a Massachusetts expense, it’s most likely to affect other states that offer 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 increase at the last legislative session, however it was turned down. This increase would have can be found in the state’s budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also seeks to add rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to create 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 checking savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing during telecasted sporting events. The measure would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

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

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

He would need to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.