Recent Massachusetts Sports Gambling Bill Features Massive Tax Increase and Ban on Live Betting

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Recent Massachusetts Sports Gambling Bill Features Massive Tax Increase and Ban on Live Betting

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

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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live sports betting (in-game sports betting) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs 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 use controlled sports betting.

A closer look at SD 1657

Tax

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 legal session, however it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state’s budget bill.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate sports betting, this would affect even expert sporting events.

The bill likewise looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of “unfair and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to develop obligatory day-to-day and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price evaluation’ which involves checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wishes to eliminate marketing during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The procedure is harsh in its modifications 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 measure will likely be battled in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to inform how it will be received.