Recent MA Sports Gambling Proposal Includes Substantial Tax Boost & Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

New MA Sports Gambling Legislation Includes Massive Tax Boost and Prohibition on In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new costs proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could 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 existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts expense, it’s likely to impact other states that offer controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state’s spending plan expense.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

The expense also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create mandatory everyday and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing constraints

Keenan also wants to eliminate marketing throughout telecasted . The step would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is extreme in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.

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

He would need to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is impossible to inform how it will be gotten.