Latest MA Sports Gambling Bill Features Significant Tax Increase & Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states could also 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The second thing to understand 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 previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate increase, betting to 51% has 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 can be found in the state’s budget plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also looks for to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of “unreasonable and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price assessment’ which includes inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing restrictions

Keenan also wishes to remove advertising throughout televised sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The measure 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 your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

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