Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Includes Substantial Tax Boost & Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, managed 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it’s most likely to affect 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, however it was declined. This increase would have come in the state’s budget bill.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense also looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop compulsory day-to-day and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost evaluation’ which involves checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a price assessment on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wants to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this difficult to impose.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is harsh in its changes 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 market supporters.

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

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