Recent MA Sports Betting Bill Contains Significant Tax Hike & Prohibition on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also change considerably.

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

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. 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 expense was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

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

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

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

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense likewise looks for to add bonus offers 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 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create obligatory daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Advertising limitations

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. 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. However, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this tough to impose.

Will the measure pass?

The step is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

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

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to tell how it will be gotten.