Recent MA Sports Gambling Bill Includes Significant Tax Hike and Ban on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise alter drastically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former 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 costs, it’s likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning with the 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 boost would have come in the state’s spending plan costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate betting, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.

The bill likewise seeks 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” percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop mandatory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘affordability assessment’ 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 require a cost assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

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

Will the procedure pass?

The step is extreme in its modifications 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 supporters.

Because of this, the measure will likely be combated in the Senate and your 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 procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.