Recent MA Sports Betting Proposal Contains Massive Tax Hike and Restriction on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states could 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 total ban on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs 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 guideline.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting 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 boost would have been available in the state’s budget plan bill.

Just 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 greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise seeks to include bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop mandatory everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘affordability evaluation’ which includes checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising limitations

Keenan likewise wants to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to enforce.

Will the measure pass?

The step is severe in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

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

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.