Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Contains Significant Tax Increase and Restriction on Live Betting

Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Includes Substantial Tax Boost & Restriction on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise change significantly.

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 total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it’s likely to impact other states that offer controlled .

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate boost, 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 turned down. This increase would have been available in the state’s budget costs.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill likewise looks for to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of “unreasonable and misleading 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 aims to create necessary daily and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves checking savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan also wishes to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting events. The procedure 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 difficult to enforce.

Will the step 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 result in pushback from local sportsbooks and industry advocates.

Because of this, the measure 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 encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.