New MA Sports Betting Proposal Features Significant Tax Boost and Ban on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, managed sports betting in other states might likewise alter considerably.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires 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 stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs 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 presently a Massachusetts costs, it’s likely to affect other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

Beginning 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, but it was rejected. This boost would have come in the state’s budget costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate betting, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The bill likewise seeks to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the category of “unreasonable and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create mandatory daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price assessment’ which involves examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing during televised sporting events. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television offers make this tough to impose.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is extreme 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 industry supporters.

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

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.