Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Includes Substantial Tax Boost and Ban on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might also alter dramatically.

SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
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The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The second thing to understand is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

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

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's most likely to affect other states that offer regulated sports betting.
bit.ly A closer look at SD 1657 Taxation
Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This increase would have can be found in the state's budget plan expense.
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Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th highest.
Banning live betting and prop betting
The procedure prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, restricting sportsbooks to providing only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate betting, this would affect even expert sporting occasions.

The costs likewise looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.
Player Limits
SD 1657 likewise aims to create obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which involves checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.
Advertising limitations
Keenan also wishes to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to enforce.
Will the procedure pass?
The procedure is harsh in its changes 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 supporters.
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Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and the House 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 effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.