UK Betting Firms Gamble on United States After Sports Wager Ruling

Latest MA Sports Gambling Legislation Contains Significant Tax Hike and Restriction on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, managed 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” intends to increase the existing sports tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd 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 bill was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

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

A closer look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning 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 legislative session, but it was rejected. This boost would have been available in the state’s budget bill.

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 sixth highest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

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

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

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

Player Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop obligatory everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost evaluation’ which includes inspecting checking account. A player 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 also wishes to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national television deals make this difficult to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The step 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 market fans.

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

He would have to persuade 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 inform how it will be received.