Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Contains Significant Tax Hike And Restriction On In-Play Betting

Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a new bill proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indicator, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change significantly.
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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%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.


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


This expense was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and current 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 likely to affect other states that use controlled sports betting.

A closer take a 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 increase at the last legislative session, however it was rejected. This increase would have come in the state's budget costs.


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

Prohibiting live betting and prop betting

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


While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college wagering, this would impact even professional sporting occasions.


The costs likewise looks for to include rewards and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise aims to develop necessary daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.


Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a cost assessment on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to remove advertising throughout televised sporting occasions. The procedure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this tough to implement.

Will the measure pass?

The measure is severe 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 fans.
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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 failed to raise the tax rate.


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