Latest MA Sports Betting Legislation Contains Substantial Tax Boost & Restriction on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This bill was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing 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 controlled sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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, but it was declined. This increase would have can be found in the state’s budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The bill likewise seeks to include rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of “unreasonable and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create obligatory everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an which includes checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need a cost evaluation on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wants to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this hard to impose.

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 lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.

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

He would need to encourage 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 tell how it will be gotten.