Latest MA Sports Betting Legislation Features Significant Tax Boost & Restriction on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change considerably.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, 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 guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill 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 testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legislative session, however it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state’s spending plan expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The costs also looks for to include benefits and same-game parlays to the category of “unjust and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop mandatory day-to-day and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves inspecting checking account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is harsh in its changes 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 market fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working 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 step, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.