Latest MA Sports Betting Legislation Contains Significant Tax Increase & Ban on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise change considerably.

SD 1657 was presented 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this costs is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing 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 provide managed sports betting.

A closer take a 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 boost at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This boost would have been available in the state’s budget plan costs.

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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college betting, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.

The costs also looks for to add rewards and same-game parlays to the category of “unfair and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create mandatory everyday and regular monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost evaluation’ which includes checking bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

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

Marketing constraints

Keenan likewise wishes to remove marketing during telecasted sporting events. The step would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to impose.

Will the measure pass?

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

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

He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.