New Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation Features Substantial Tax Boost Restriction On Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might also alter dramatically.


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


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


This bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.
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So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to affect other states that provide regulated sports betting.
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A closer 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 legislative session, but it was declined. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget plan costs.


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

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 offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.


While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.
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The bill likewise seeks to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to develop obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.


Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out creating a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this difficult to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is severe 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 industry supporters.


Because of this, the step will likely be combated in the Senate and your house 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.