Recent MA Sports Betting Proposal Features Substantial Tax Increase And Prohibition On In-Play Betting

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Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states might also change drastically.


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 total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.
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The main thing to remember is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The second thing to understand is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.


This bill was introduced 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 currently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to affect other states that offer regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657
Tax

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This increase would have can be found in the state's spending 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 6th greatest.

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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


While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college betting, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.
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The bill likewise looks for to include perks and same-game parlays to the category of "unreasonable and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.

Player Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes 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 an affordability assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The procedure is harsh 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 advocates.
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Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.


He would have to encourage 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.