Latest MA Sports Betting Proposal Contains Significant Tax Hike & Prohibition on Live Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, managed 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” intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting policies. The second thing to know is that the language of this expense resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present 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 most likely to affect other states that provide controlled 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 boost at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state’s budget bill.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The procedure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The expense also seeks to add bonus offers and same-game parlays to the category of “unfair and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also intends to create mandatory daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price assessment’ which involves checking 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 need an affordability assessment on bettors.

Marketing restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to eliminate advertising during telecasted sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this tough to impose.

Will the step pass?

The step is severe in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.