New Massachusetts Sports Betting Legislation Contains Substantial Tax Boost and Ban on Live Betting

Recent Massachusetts Sports Gambling Proposal Features Significant Tax Hike and Ban on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states could also change drastically.

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

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legislative session, but it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state’s budget costs.

Only three 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 procedure forbids 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 limitations on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The expense likewise looks for to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of “unjust and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to produce compulsory day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘affordability evaluation’ which includes inspecting bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need a price assessment on bettors.

Marketing limitations

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

Will the measure pass?

The measure is extreme in its modifications 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 fans.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated 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 impossible to tell how it will be received.