Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Contains Massive Tax Hike and Restriction on In-Play Betting

New Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Features Significant Tax Hike and Ban on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise change dramatically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former 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 presently a Massachusetts expense, it’s most likely to affect other states that offer managed sports betting.

A closer 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 declined. This boost would have been available in the state’s budget expense.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on college wagering, this would affect even expert sporting events.

The expense also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 bet.

Player Limits

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

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

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate advertising throughout telecasted sporting occasions. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this hard to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The step is harsh in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry fans.

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

He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.