Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation Features Massive Tax Boost & Restriction on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, regulated 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 » aims to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

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

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also looks for to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of « unjust and deceptive practices. » Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high « hold » percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce 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 assessment’ which includes examining 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 need a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing during telecasted sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The procedure is severe 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 supporters.

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

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.