New Massachusetts Sports Gambling Legislation Includes Massive Tax Hike & Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, 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 betting) and prop bets.

The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This increase would have been available in the state’s spending plan bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The costs also seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the category of “unjust and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to produce obligatory everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price assessment’ which involves checking bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is extreme in its changes 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 industry advocates.

Because of this, the measure 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 persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.