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Latest Massachusetts Sports Gambling Legislation Contains Massive Tax Increase & Prohibition on Real-Time Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, managed sports betting in other states might also change considerably.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of in 2024.

This bill was introduced not long after previous 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 bill, it’s likely to impact other states that use managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legislative session, but it was turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state’s budget plan costs.

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

Banning live betting and prop betting

The step prohibits in-play (live sports betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.

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

The bill also seeks 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 quantity of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to create necessary daily and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost evaluation’ which includes examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

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

Marketing limitations

Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising during televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out producing a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this hard to implement.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is extreme 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 industry fans.

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

He would need 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 difficult to tell how it will be gotten.